Msm 


1 


RAILROAD 
ASSOCIATION  WORK 

HISTORY,  PRINCIPLES,  AND  METHODS 


Prei'ared  Under  the  Direction  of  the  Railroad  Depart- 
ment OF  THE  International  Committee  of 
Young  Men's  Christian  Associations 


A000natt0n  '^vtm 

New  York:       124  East  28th  Street 

London  :  47  Paternoster  Row,  E.  C. 

1915 


Copyright,  1915,  by  The 

International  Committee  of  Young  Men's 

Christian  Associations 


CONTENTS 


II 


History  and  Field  of  Work     . 

II 

I 

First  Association 

12 

II 
III 

Beginnings  in  North  America 
Development      following      the 
Civil  War 

13 
14 

IV 

Beginning  of  Association  Work 
for  Railroad  Men 

16 

V 

Supervision  of  Railroad  Asso- 
ciation Work 

19 

VI 

VII 

VIII 

Polity 

System  Work 

The  Extent  of  Railroad  Asso- 
ciation Work 

22 

24 

IX 

The  Field  of  the  Railroad  As- 

sociation 

25 

Organization     .      .      .      . 

31 

I 

II 
III 

IV 

Forms  of  Organization 

The  Board  of  Management 

The  Membership 

The  Committees 
3 

31 

35 
37 
39 

4                                   CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 

PAGE 

III     The  Railroad  Secretary  .... 

43 

I     Essential  Qualifications 

44 

II     Additional  Serviceable  Qualifi- 

cations 

48 

III     Three  Practical  Questions 

49 

IV     The  Railroad  Secretary  (Cont'd)    . 

55 

I     His  Religious  Life 

55 

II     His  Intellectual  Life 

56 

III     His  Relations  to  the  Church 

57 

IV     His  Social  Relations 

60 

V  His  Relation  to  Fraternal  Soci- 
eties 60 

VI     His    Relation    to    Community 

Life  62 

VII     His  Relation  to  Reform  Move- 


ments 

62 

VIII 

His  Association  Relationships 

64 

V    Business  Administration 

73 

I 
II 

Importance 

Features    of    Proper    Business 
Administration 

73 
74 

III 

IV 
V 

Membership  Tickets 
The  Secretary's  Responsibility 
The   Secretary's    Personal   Fi- 
nancial Integrity 

82 
82 

83 

CONTENTS  5 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

VI     Membership 87 

I     Purpose  87 

II     Organization  88 

VII     Religious  Work 93 


VIII 


I 

Object 

93 

II 

Plan  and  Organization 

94 

III 

Standards 

96 

IV 

Bible  Study 

97 

V 

Meetings 

100 

VI 

Personal  Service  and  Evangel- 

ism 

103 

VII 

Meetings  Outside  the  Building 

109 

VIII 

Conservation  of  Results 

III 

IX 

The  Association's  Outreach 

112 

X 

Conclusion 

114 

)CIAL 

Work 

117 

I     Importance  117 

II     Aim  and  Plans  117 

III  The  Approach  to  the  Problem  118 

IV  The  Spirit  of  Social  Work  120 
V     Duties  of  the  Social  Committee  120 

IX     Educational  Work 125 

I     Survey  of  the  Field  125 
II     Form  of  Committee  Organiza- 
tion 126 


6  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

III  The  Instruction  Section  127 

IV  Library  and  Reading  Room         129 

V  Extension  Section  131 

VI  Association  Publicity  133 

X     Physical  Work 137 

XI     Restaurant  Management      .      .      .143 

I  Location  143 

II  Construction  143 

III  Decorations  145 

IV  Equipment  146 

V  Purchasing  148 
VI  Receiving  150 

VII  Preparation  and  Service  152 
VIII     Competent  Employees  153 

XII     Boys'  Work  in  Railroad  Communi- 
ties      157 

I  Importance  157 

II  Methods  159 

III  Duties  of  the  Boys'  Work  Com- 

mittee 161 

XIII     Special  Groups .165 

I     Foreign  Speaking  Railroad  Men  165 

II  Colored  Railroad  Men  166 
III     Street  Railway  Men  167 


CONTENTS  7 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

IV     Railroad  Construction  Camps      i68 

V  The  City  Association  in  Rail- 

road Communities  not  Served 
by  the  Railroad  Association      169 
VI     Yard  Men  171 

XIV     Building,   Equipment  and  Mainte- 
nance        175 

I     How  Buildings  are  Secured  176 

II  Features  Essential  in  a  Building  177 

III  Care  of  the  Building  182 

IV  Sanitary  Suggestions  183 

V  Fire  185 
VI  Repair  Fund  186 

XV    The  Railroad  Company    ....    191 
I     The  Association  and  Corporate 

Support  191 

II     The    Place    of    the    Railroad 

Company  192 

III  The  Secretary  and  the  Railroad 

Official  193 

IV  Obligations    to    the    Railroad 

Company  193 

V  The   Association  in   Times  of 

Strike  195 

VI     The  Association  and  Receiver- 
ships 196 


8  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

VII     The    Railroad    Company    and 

Other  Welfare  Work  197 

Appendix 201 

Bibliography 205 


I 

HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK 


RAILROAD 
ASSOCIATION  WORK 

CHAPTER  I 
HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK 

George  Williams,  the  founder  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association,  was  born  in  Somerset, 
England,  in  the  year  1821.  His  father  was  a  pros- 
perous farmer,  but  the  son,  showing  no  special  ca- 
pacity for  farming  life,  was,  after  the  usual  years 
of  schooling,  apprenticed  to  a  draper  —  dry-goods 
dealer  —  in  the  nearby  town  of  Bridgewater.  His 
family  were  church  people  but  he  himself  apparently 
knew  little  of  religion  beyond  church  attendance. 
Among  the  employees  of  the  Bridgewater  establish- 
ment were  several  earnest  Christian  young  men,  and 
the  example  of  their  useful  and  happy  lives  resulted 
in  his  becoming  a  sincere  and  faithful  Christian. 
The  few  years  at  Bridgewater  were  filled  with  re- 
ligious activity,  and  with  other  Christian  young  men 
Williams  held  meetings  at  which  a  number  of  his 
I        fellow  clerks  were  led  into  the  Christian  life. 


12  RAILRO.^D  ASSGCIAriON  WORK 

I.     First  Association 

In  1841  George  Williams,  then  twenty  years  of 
age,  went  to  London  and  found  employment  in  the 
drapery  house  of  George  Hitchcock  &  Co.,  ^2  St. 
Paul's  Churchyard.  In  this  establishment  were 
eighty  young  men  who  lodged  at  night  in  the  small 
and  ill-ventilated  bedrooms  in  the  store  buildings, 
and  who  were  without  any  facilities  whatever  for 
self-improvement.  With  scarcely  an  exception  these 
young  men  were  profane  and  profligate;  and  the  ear- 
nest-spirited young  man  found  himself  in  a  strange 
environment,  not  another  professing  Christian  being 
employed  in  the  house.  He  prayed  for  a  companion 
and  soon  one  like-minded  with  himself  came  into 
the  firm's  employ.  Together  they  prayed  and  lived 
their  helpful  lives  and  one  after  another  their  fel- 
low employees  were  invited  into  their  bedroom 
meetings  for  Bible  study  and  prayer.  Soon  others 
were  led  into  the  Christian  life,  and  the  bedroom  be- 
came too  small.  With  some  measure  of  fear  they 
asked  for  the  use  of  a  larger  room.  To  their  sur- 
prise their  employer  cheerfully  granted  this  request 
and  from  that  time  became  their  friend  and  patron. 
After  consultation  a  meeting  was  called  for  Thurs- 
day evening,  June  6,  1844,  to  consider  the  possi- 
bility of  extending  like  efforts  to  other  mercantile 
houses.  Twelve  young  men  were  present  and  a 
simple  form  of  work  was  organized  under  the  name 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  13 

"  Young  Men's  Christian  Association."  Work  was 
at  once  begun  in  other  dry-goods  estabhshments ; 
later  on  a  secretary  or  "  missionary  ''  was  employed, 
and  in  1849  ^  library  and  reading  room  was  opened. 
In  1 85 1,  W.  E.  Shipton  became  the  paid  secretary 
of  the  Association  and  the  work  at  once  assumed 
a  broader  scope  and  more  aggressive  spirit.  One 
of  his  early  acts  was  the  distribution  of  evangelistic 
and  Association  literature  during  the  great  indus- 
trial exposition  held  in  London  in  1851,  and  in  this 
way  the  work  of  the  Association  became  known  in 
other  lands. 

II.     Beginnings  in  North  America 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  Associations  on  the 
North  American  continent  are  a  direct  outgrowth 
of  the  London  society.  A  letter  from  London  pub- 
lished in  a  Boston  paper  led  to  the  organization  of 
an  Association  in  that  city  December  29,  1851.  A 
similar  organization  was  effected  in  Montreal,  No- 
vember 25,  185 1,  but  of  this  nothing  was  known  in 
Boston  for  more  than  two  years.  Within  the  next 
two  years  Associations  were  formed  in  twenty  Amer- 
ican cities,  including  New  York,  Chicago,  Washing- 
ton, Buffalo,  New  Orleans  and  San  Francisco. 
Through  the  efforts  of  William  Chauncey  Langdon 
of  the  Washington  Association,  these  Associations 
were  affiliated  and  met  in  their  first  International 
Convention  in  Buffalo,  June  7,  1854.     At  this  meet- 


14  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ing  a  central  committee  for  correspondence  and  vis- 
itation was  appointed  and  a  Young  Men's  Christian 
Confederation  of  the  United  States  and  the  British 
Provinces  was  effected.  During  the  next  six  years, 
annual  conventions  were  held  and  there  was  gradual 
growth  in  the  number  of  organizations.  In  New 
Orleans  in  February,  i860,  occurred  the  final  gath- 
ering of  the  original  Confederation.  The  Conven- 
tion held  in  New  York  in  November,  1861,  was  a 
meeting  of  the  Northern  Associations  to  consider 
Christian  work  in  the  army.  At  this  meeting  was 
formed  the  United  States  Christian  Commission,  an 
organization  which  ministered  to  both  the  bodily 
and  spiritual  needs  of  the  men  in  the  army,  sending 
out  during  the  period  of  the  war  5,000  Christian 
helpers  to  camp  and  hospital,  and  distributing  over 
$5,000,000  in  money  and  stores.  A  somewhat  sim- 
ilar work  was  done  by  the  Southern  Associations, 
but  in  no  such  organized  form. 

III.     Development  Following  the  Civil  War 

The  first  convention  held  after  the  war  had  ended 
met  in  Albany  in  1866,  and  at  this  gathering  an 
Executive  Committee  was  selected  for  a  term  of 
three  years  with  headquarters  in  New  York  City, 
where  it  has  since  remained;  provision  was  made 
for  calling  state  and  provincial  conventions,  and 
work  for  young  men  as  the  distinctive  purpose  of 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  15 

the  organization  was  so  forcibly  insisted  upon,  that 
it  has  scarcely  been  questioned  since. 

Conventions  followed  in  Detroit  in  1868  and  in 
Portland  in  1869.  At  this  latter  Convention  was 
adopted  what  has  since  become  known  as  the  "  Port- 
land Basis,"  restricting  the  management  of  the  As- 
sociations to  men  who  are  members  of  evangelical 
churches  (See  Appendix  B).  By  this  Conven- 
tion the  Executive  Committee  (which  later  became 
the  International  Committee)  was  authorized  to  em- 
ploy a  secretary  for  editorial  and  other  duties,  and 
in  December,  1869,  the  Committee  secured  for  this 
service  Richard  C.  Morse,  who  in  1871  was  elected 
General  Secretary  of  the  International  Committee. 

It  was  also  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Langdon 
of  the  Washington  Association,  that  the  Associa- 
tions of  the  world  met  in  their  first  conference  at 
Paris,  August,  1855,  and  adopted  the  historic 
"  Paris  Basis  ''  (See  Appendix  A),  which  has  since 
been  the  bond  of  unity  between  the  various  national 
Association  bodies  sending  representatives  to  the 
World's  Conference,  having  as  its  executive  agent 
the  World's  Committee,  with  headquarters  at  Ge- 
neva, Switzerland. 

Following  the  Portland  Convention  the  North 
American  movement  continued  to  advance  in  num- 
bers and  in  the  quality  of  its  work.  The  Interna- 
tional Committee  continued  to  increase  its  staff  of 


i6  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

secretaries,  state  and  provincial  organizations  were 
effected  and  strongly  supplemented  the  work  of  the 
International  Committee;  and  largely  under  the 
leadership  of  these  supervisory  agencies  in  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  the  work  has  developed 
to  its  present  extent  and  efficiency. 

IV.     Beginning  of  Association  Work  for 
Railroad  Men 

1.  Work  on  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad 

The  first  employed  agent  of  the  International 
Committee  —  its  Senior  Secretary,  Robert  Weiden- 
sall  —  was  called  in  1868  from  employment  in  the 
Omaha  shops  of  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  then  in 
course  of  construction.  He  was  employed  by  vote 
of  the  Detroit  Convention  of  1868  "to  aid  in  the 
organization  of  Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tions on  the  line  of  the  Pacific  Railroad  and  in  such 
other  sections  as  might  be  determined  upon.'* 

Beginning  at  Fremont,  Nebraska,  he  organized 
in  it  and  other  towns  on  the  line  of  the  road  several 
Associations.  Some  of  their  members  were  Rail- 
road employees.  But  no  Railroad  Associations  or 
branches  composed  wholly  of  these  employees  re- 
sulted from  this  effort. 

2.  The  First  Railroad  Association 

Railroad  Association  work  as  known  and  carried 
on  today  dates  from  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  in  1871 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  17 

a  railroad  men's  prayer  meeting  was  conducted  by 
railroad  employees. 

Of  the  origin  of  this  first  enterprise  the  following 
interesting  incident  is  told  concerning  one  who  was 
at  this  time,  and  for  some  years,  the  most  prominent 
leader  in  this  group  of  railroad  men  and  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  work  elsewhere. 

One  day  in  the  year  1871,  the  body  of  a  man  who 
had  been  accidentally  killed  on  the  railroad  was 
being  carried  out  of  the  Union  Railroad  Station  at 
Cleveland.  Someone  in  the  crowd  asked  who  had 
been  killed.  The  reply,  in  an  indifferent  tone  of 
voice,  was :  **  Only  a  railroad  man."  These  words 
reached  the  ear  of  a  train  dispatcher,  Henry  W. 
Stager,  and  deeply  impressed  him.  *'  Something 
ought  to  be  done  for  railroad  men,''  he  said  to  him- 
self. He  was  at  that  time  the  wayward  son  of  a 
praying  mother.  He  had  recently  stood  in  another 
crowd  on  the  street  listening  at  an  open  air  meeting 
to  a  young  Christian  business  man  of  Cleveland, 
Henry  A.  Sherwin,  for  whom  he  had  great  respect, 
and  who  was  talking  in  that  gospel  service  as  an 
active  worker  in  the  City  Association. 

As  a  result  of  these  two  impressions.  Stager  was 
led  to  call  upon  his  mother's  pastor.  Dr.  Chauncey 
W.  Goodrich,  and  ask  him  whether  he  would  come 
to  the  station  Sunday  afternoon  and  speak  to  rail- 
road men,  if  Stager  himself  would  get  the  boys  to- 
gether to  hear  him.     Dr.  Goodrich  knew  how  anx- 


i8  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ious  his  mother  was  about  this  son,  and  was  sur- 
prised and  moved  by  such  a  request  from  him.  He 
gladly  consented.  Stager  gathered  a  good  audience. 
With  the  help  of  Dr.  Goodrich  and  other  ministers, 
a  series  of  Sunday  meetings  was  held.  Stager  was 
converted.  The  ministers  counselled  him  to  place 
the  care  of  the  work  in  charge  of  the  City  Associa- 
tion. This  was  done,  the  Association  taking  charge 
through  its  Committee  on  "Missionary  Labor'' 
with  Stager  as  a  member.  Meanwhile  the  depot 
master  had  become  interested,  and  a  prayer  meeting 
was  held  weekly  in  his  office.  The  interest  grew 
steadily.  The  secretary  of  the  Cleveland  Associa- 
tion, Lang  Sheaff,  was  among  the  workers :  a  social 
and  reading  room,  located  in  the  station,  was  asked 
for.  An  active  member  of  the  Railroad  Commit- 
tee, George  W.  Cobb,  consented  to  become  Railroad 
Secretary.  His  name  is  first  on  the  roll  of  Rail- 
road Secretaries.  The  leading  representative  of  the 
Vanderbilt  system  at  Cleveland  at  that  time  was 
James  H.  Devereux,  President  of  the  C.  C.  &  L 
Railroad,  a  road  now  known  as  the  Big  Four.  He 
was  also  an  active  member  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church.  He  entered  heartily  into  the  project. 
The  room  needed  was  granted  and  well  equipped 
as  both  a  reading  and  social  room.  This  was  ac- 
complished during  the  spring  and  summer  of  1872. 
In  1878,  with  the  hope  of  securing  the  interest 
and  cooperation  of  more  of  the  railroad  men,  it  was 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  19 

thought  wise  to  make  the  railroad  work  an  indepen- 
dent organization;  and  this  was  done  with  the  cor- 
dial consent  of  the  City  Association.  It  is  interest- 
ing, however,  to  note  that  three  years  later,  at  the 
request  of  the  railroad  men  themselves  the  former 
organic  relationship  with  the  City  Association  was 
restored.  At  the  close  of  the  first  year's  work  in 
Cleveland,  the  following  lines  of  effort  were  re- 
ported: railroad  meetings,  temperance  work,  visits 
to  sick  and  injured,  employment  bureau,  relief  of 
destitute,  library  and  reading  room,  distribution  of 
papers,  monthly  socials,  and  delegation  work.  This 
delegation  work  consisted  of  sending  out  groups  of 
Christian  Railroad  men  to  hold  meetings  in  nearby 
railroad  communities. 

For  some  years  the  railroad  work  grew  slowly. 
In  1873  Association  work  for  railroad  men  was 
undertaken  in  Chicago,  and  in  Erie,  Pennsylvania. 
In  Poughkeepsie  in  the  same  year  the  International 
Convention  recognized  this  work  by  allowing  the 
representative  of  the  Cleveland  railroad  branch  five 
minutes  in  which  to  make  his  report  and  appeal. 

V.     Supervision  of  Railroad  Associatio'n 
Work 

At  Richmond  in  1875,  at  the  request  of  the  Cleve- 
land delegates  and  with  the  promise  of  their  finan- 
cial support,  the  employment  by  the  International 
Committee  of  a  traveling  secretary  for  the  extension 


20  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

of  Railroad  Association  work  was  authorized,  and 
Lang  Sheaff  was  selected.  He  spent  five  months  in 
visiting  railroad  centers,  and  among  the  important 
results  of  his  work  was  the  organization  of  Asso- 
ciation work  for  railroad  men  at  Altoona,  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  at  the  Grand  Central  Station,  New  York 
City. 

Out  of  what  was  accomplished  at  New  York  City 
grew  a  permanent  direction  and  development  of  As- 
sociation work  among  railroad  men.  This  was  ow- 
ing to  the  enlistment  —  at  that  time  and  for  the 
rest  of  his  life  —  of  the  active  and  generous  inter- 
est of  Cornelius  Vanderbilt,  Jr.  He  was  then 
Treasurer  of  a  division  of  the  New  York  Central 
Railroad,  and  had  recently  become  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Directors  of  the  New  York  Association. 
With  the  cooperation  of  General  Secretaries  Morse 
of  the  International  Committee  and  McBurney 
of  the  City  Association,  his  attention  was  called  to 
the  work.  A  room  was  secured  in  the  Grand  Cen- 
tral Station,  and  Mr.  Vanderbilt  became  Chairman 
of  the  Railroad  Committee  of  the  New  York  Asso- 
ciation. Through  his  cooperation  the  International 
Committee  secured  support  for  a  permanent  Rail- 
road Secretary,  Edwin  D.  Ingersoll,  who  began 
work  in  1877.  Mr.  Vanderbilt  became  the  Railroad 
member  of  the  Committee  looking  after  that  depart- 
ment of  the  International  work. 

After  vigilant  direction  for  a  dozen  years  of  the 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  21 

work  at  the  Grand  Central  Station,  Mr.  Vanderbilt 
erected  for  it  at  the  edge  of  the  Railroad  yards  a 
fine  Railroad  Association  building,  costing  $125,- 
000.  After  it  had  been  occupied  only  five  years, 
because  of  the  growth  of  the  work  he  doubled  the 
size  of  the  building.  At  the  time  of  his  death  in 
1899  he  was  planning  its  further  enlargement. 

Equal  success  attended  a  similar  experiment  by 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  at  its  headquarters  in 
Philadelphia.  Here,  in  1894,  with  the  cooperation 
of  President  George  B.  Roberts,  and  the  officials  of 
that  system,  an  admirable  building  was  erected  and 
two  years  later  doubled  in  size. 

During  this  first  period — 1872-91 — of  Asso- 
ciation Railroad  work  efficiency  and  achievement 
at  more  or  less  isolated  railroad  centers,  was  the 
feature  which  gave  the  real  promise  of  permanent 
usefulness  in  this  department. 

The  agency  of  supervision  had  strongly  promoted 
this  beginning  of  a  permanent  anchorage  for  the 
Railroad  Department.  But  this  achievement  clearly 
pointed  the  way  to  a  wider  efficiency  to  be  obtained 
by  establishing  the  work  at  all  desirable  points  along 
the  line  of  each  Railroad  system. 

This  long  step  in  advance  was  taken  during  the 
second  period  under  the  leadership  of  the  Interna- 
tional Railroad  Secretary,  Clarence  J.  Hicks.  Such 
a  system  work  was  first  wrought  out  by  him  on  the 
Chesapeake  &  Ohio  Railroad. 


22  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

VI.     Polity 

There  are  three  points  in  the  poHty  or  plan  of 
organization  of  the  North  American  Associations 
that  should  be  noted : 

1.  Local  Organisations 

These  are  usually  independent  and  self-governing. 

2.  International 

The  Associations  of  all  groups  (as  City,  Rail- 
road, Student,  etc.)  send  delegates  to  a  triennial 
Convention  which  elects  as  its  representative  a  body 
known  as  the  International  Committee  of  Young 
Men's  Christian  Associations.  This  Committee  has 
its  headquarters  in  New  York  and  carries  out  the 
instructions  of  the  International  Convention,  main- 
taining an  advisory  and  cooperative  relation  to  all 
the  North  American  Associations. 

In  addition  to  the  triennial  International  Conven- 
tion, representing  all  departments  of  Association 
work,  the  Railroad  Associations  hold  a  special  con- 
ference of  an  inspirational  rather  than  a  legislative 
character,  meeting  usually  every  three  years.  These 
gatherings  have  been  of  great  value  in  strengthen- 
ing the  work  among  railroad  men. 

3.  State 

Under  the  leadership  of  the  International  Com- 
mittee, for  the  purpose  of  closer  supervision,  there 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  23 

has  been  organized  in  nearly  every  state  a  State 
Executive  Committee,  and  which  is  the  representa- 
tive of  the  Associations  in  that  particular  state. 

In  Canada  the  Canadian  National  Council  bears  a 
somewhat  similar  relation  to  the  Associations 
throughout  the  Dominion. 

These  two  agencies  of  supervision  thus  exist  as 
independent  and  coordinate  bodies,  each  related  di- 
rectly to  the  local  Associations,  and  working  to- 
gether under  rules  of  comity  which  were  first  defi- 
nitely formulated  at  the  Grand  Rapids  International 
Convention  of  1899  ^"d  later  at  the  Buffalo  Inter- 
national Convention  of  1904  (See  Appendix  F). 

The  Railroad  Associations  exist  as  an  integral 
part  of  the  North  American  Association  movement 
and  as  such  send  delegates  to  the  International  and 
State  and  Dominion  Conventions  on  the  same  basis 
as  the  city,  student,  rural,  and  other  groups  of  Asso- 
ciations. 

VII.     System  Work 

Most  of  the  Railroad  Associations  in  existence  at 
present  are  on  Railroad  systems  where  the  policy  of 
the  companies  is  to  cooperate  with  their  employees 
in  organizing  and  maintaining  these  Associations. 
Consequently  it  has  been  greatly  to  the  advantage 
of  the  Associations  to  keep  in  close  affiliation  in 
order  that  their  work  may  be  thoroughly  inter-re- 
lated and  as  far  as  possible  unified  so  as  to  most 


24  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

helpfully  appeal  both  to  officials  and  other  employees 
of  the  system.  This  has  led  to  system  organiza- 
tions and  stated  conferences,  which  by  the  interstate 
interests  involved,  naturally  are  related  to  and  as- 
sisted by  the  International  Committee. 

An  illustration  of  this  desire  of  the  Associations 
on  a  railroad  system  to  combine  for  more  effective 
service,  is  the  formation  of  the  New  York  Central 
Lines  Federation,  composed  of  thirty-eight  Railroad 
Associations  in  eight  different  states  and  provinces. 
The  International  Railroad  Secretary  assigned  to 
these  Lines  is,  ex-officio,  the  executive  secretary  of 
the  Federation.  The  result  of  this  grouping  has 
been  most  helpful,  especially  to  the  weaker  Asso- 
ciations and  to  those  remote  from  railroad  head- 
quarters. 

VIII.     The  Extent  of  Railroad  Association 
Work 

At  this  writing —  191 5  —  there  are  250  Railroad 
Associations  in  the  United  States,  Canada,  and  Mex- 
ico with  a  membership  of  over  84,000,  occupying 
196  buildings,  valued  at  $6,025,000.  They  report 
an  annual  current  expenditure  for  the  past  year  of 
$1,682,386,  and  employ  576  secretaries,  assistant 
secretaries,  membership,  religious,  educational,  and 
physical  directors,  a  number  of  whom  are  on  the 
pay-rolls  of  the  railroad  companies.  Railroads  con- 
trolling practically  eighty-five  per  cent  of  the  mile- 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  25 

age  on  the  North  American  continent  are  making 
regularly  monthly  contributions  toward  the  main- 
tenance of  the  work  of  the  Railroad  Associations 
and  Departments. 

IX.     The  Field  of  the  Railroad  Association 

The  large  army  of  men  employed  in  general  ad- 
ministration, and  a  still  greater  number  of  men  en- 
gaged in  maintenance  of  way  and  structure,  and 
the  400,000  men  employed  in  maintenance  and 
equipment,  together  with  the  750,000  men  employed 
in  the  transportation  department  —  a  total  of  a 
million  and  a  half  men  —  constitute  the  North 
American  field  of  the  Railroad  Young  Men's  Chris- 
tian Association,  and  in  so  far  only  as  it  reaches  this 
army  of  men  with  its  sympathetic,  plain,  and  prac- 
tical methods  of  Christian  brotherhood  and  helpful 
service,  administering  to  the  needs  of  body,  mind, 
and  spirit,  does  the  Association  measure  up  to 
the  possibilities  of  this  field.  It  is  for  the  economic, 
social,  physical,  intellectual,  moral,  and  spiritual  wel- 
fare of  this  great  army  of  men  that  these  Associa- 
tions have  been  established  at  250  division  and  ter- 
minal points  in  the  United  States,  Canada,  and 
Mexico.  Within  the  buildings  that  these  Associa- 
tions occupy  are  found  many  if  not  all  of  the  helpful 
and  advantageous  privileges  of  a  well-conducted 
club;  and  many  of  them  are  so  furnished  and  con- 
ducted as  to  give  one  altogether  the  impression  of  a 


26  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

Christian  home.  The  man  coming  in  from  a  long, 
hard  run,  tired  and  dirty,  finds  bath  rooms,  a  restau- 
rant operated  not  for  profit,  clean  and  comfortable 
rest  rooms  and  beds,  social  rooms  comfortably  and 
attractively  equipped.  Library  and  reading  rooms 
await  his  leisure  and  contribute  to  his  intellectual 
needs.  Moreover,  he  finds  that  all  these  privileges 
and  the  kind  sympathetic  service  of  the  secretary  in 
charge  are  vitalized  and  made  attractive  by  the  spirit 
of  Him  whose  name  the  organization  bears.  These 
Associations  are  operated  in  a  true  spirit  of  coopera- 
tion. Here  officials  and  employees  meet  on  a  com- 
mon platform,  uniting  in  bearing  the  cost  of  build- 
ing construction  and  Association  maintenance. 

The  Associations  offer  very  much  more  than  ma- 
terial comfort  and  physical  convenience.  They  pro- 
vide the  railroad  employee  with  opportunity  for 
mental  stimulus  and  spiritual  development.  The 
field  of  the  Railroad  Department  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  is  two- fold:  first,  all 
the  railroad  men  in  North  America ;  second,  all  the 
railroad  man  —  physical,  social,  intellectual,  and 
spiritual.  A  beginning  only  has  been  made  in  oc- 
cupying this  field.  The  present  membership  rep- 
resents a  little  more  than  one  twentieth  of  the  great 
army  for  whose  welfare  it  exists,  and  while  it  is 
true  that  a  great  many  not  in  its  membership  are 
benefited  directly  and  indirectly,  it  is  also  true  that 
the  larger  majority  of  railroad  men  are  yet  un- 


HISTORY  AND  FIELD  OF  WORK  27 

reached  by  the  organization.  The  Association  that 
does  not  win  the  railroad  men  and  all  the  railroad 
man  for  Christ  and  the  Church  is  not  worthy  of  its 
place  and  opportunity,  no  matter  how  complete  and 
attractive  may  be  the  equipment,  how  popular  it  is 
with  the  officials  and  with  the  men,  how  adequate 
are  its  financial  resources.  Unless  it  perseveres  in  a 
faithful,  intelligent,  aggressive,  and  constant  en- 
deavor to  attain  the  moral  and  spiritual  purpose,  its 
field  is  not  fully  occupied  and  its  possibihties  are 
unfulfilled. 


II 

ORGANIZATION 


CHAPTER  II 
ORGANIZATION 

The  independence  of  the  individual  Association 
is  a  fundamental  principle  of  the  Young  Men's 
Christian  Association.  Such  independence,  of 
course,  does  not  interfere  with  a  unity  of  purpose 
and  a  fine  spirit  of  harmony  in  the  work  as  a  whole. 
The  various  sections  of  the  movement  —  such  as  the 
City  and  the  Railroad,  and  the  Student,  and  the  In- 
dustrial —  all  are  busy  upon  one  definite  and  world- 
wide work  for  all  classes  of  men. 

In  a  city  the  several  organizations  are  generally 
branches  or  departments  of  the  city  unit.  Thus, 
with  a  single  aim  the  City  Association  is  able  to 
adapt  itself  to  the  needs  of  men  of  all  groups  and 
types  of  employment. 

I.     Forms  of  Organization 

The  following  forms  of  organization,  adapted  to 
various  types  of  fields,  have  been  found  serviceable 
in  the  development  of  Association  work  among 
Railroad  men. 

31 


32  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

I,  The  Railroad  Association 

This  is  the  usual  form  of  organization  at  a  divi- 
sion point  or  terminal  where  no  city  Association 
exists.  It  is  an  independent,  self-governing  organ- 
ization. The  constitution  of  such  an  Association 
should  be  simple  and  brief,  yet  covering  adequately 
the  following  points:  (i)  Name  and  object  of 
organization.  (2)  The  membership  qualifications 
and  annual  fee. 

Five  dollars  is  the  usual  annual  fee  for  a  ticket 
that  is  universally  interchangeable  with  other  Rail- 
road Associations.  Some  Associations  issue  for 
three  dollars  tickets  covering  local  privileges  only. 
The  general  opinion  is  that  a  uniform  rate  of  five 
dollars  is  desirable,  and  seemingly  affords  the  only 
basis  for  a  standard  membership. 

(i)  The  Board  of  Management,  This  body  is 
chosen  from  the  membership  by  the  active  members 
of  the  Association,  at  a  time  specified  in  the  consti- 
tution. Usually  the  Board  is  divided  into  three 
groups,  one  group  being  elected  at  each  annual  meet- 
ing to  serve  for  a  period  of  three  years.  For  this 
purpose  it  is  best  to  make  the  number  constituting 
the  Board  some  multiple  of  three. 

(2)  The  Officers.  These  should  consist  of  a 
President,  Vice-President,  Treasurer,  and  Record- 
ing Secretary,  elected  by  the  Board  at  its  first  meet- 
ing after  the  annual  election. 


ORGANIZATION  33 

(3)  Standing  Committees,  These  are  appointed 
by  the  President  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Board,  as  early  as  practicable  after  the  annual 
meeting. 

2.  Joint  or  Combined  Associations 

In  smaller  places  where  no  city  Association  exists, 
and  where  the  railroad  and  town  interests  are  closely 
related,  it  has  been  found  possible  to  do  a  combined 
work  for  railroad  men  and  town  men.  In  such 
cases,  however,  assuming  that  the  corporate  support 
is  extended  by  the  railroad  companies,  the  building 
should  be  located,  planned,  equipped,  and  managed 
primarily  in  the  interests  of  railroad  men. 

Great  care  is  necessary  in  the  management  of  such 
a  joint  Association  that  the  young  men  of  the  town 
do  not  monopolize  the  privileges  to  the  exclusion  of 
the  railroad  men. 

Under  such  a  plan  of  organization  a  proportionate 
share  of  financial  support  should  be  raised  among 
the  townspeople. 

3.  The  Railroad  Department  or  Branch 

In  cities  which  have  the  metropolitan  or  semi- 
metropolitan  plan  of  organization,  the  special  work 
for  railroad  men  should  be  organized  as  a  depart- 
ment or  branch  of  the  general  or  city  Association. 
This  practice  was  made  obligatory  by  the  Kansas 
City  Convention  of  1891  (See  Appendix  D).     In- 


34  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

stead  of  a  Board  of  Directors  elected  in  the  usual 
way,  a  Board  of  Management,  usually  nominated 
from  the  Railroad  Department,  is  appointed  by  the 
President  of  the  general  Association  with  the  ap- 
proval of  its  Board  of  Directors.  Since  1889  the 
Evangelical  Test  is  applicable  to  members  of  a  Board 
of  Management  (See  Appendix  C).  The  Depart- 
ment is  governed  by  its  own  by-laws,  but  conducts 
its  work  as  an  integral  part  of  the  Association  move- 
ment of  the  city. 

As  the  general  Association  is  legally  liable  for  the 
financial  obligations  and  morally  liable  for  the  type 
of  work  done  in  all  the  branches,  it  follows  that  the 
Board  of  Directors  is  entitled  to  full  reports,  at 
stated  periods,  of  conditions  and  work  done  in  the 
Railroad  Branches. 

4.  Provisional  Railroad  Associations 

In  cities  where,  for  the  time  being,  organic  rela- 
tions cannot  be  established  with  the  city  Associa- 
tion, or  at  isolated  division  points  where  there  is  a 
temporary  lack  of  men  qualified  for  service  on  the 
Board  of  Management,  the  State,  or  International 
Committee,  or  Canadian  National  Council  is  author- 
ized by  the  Buffalo  Convention  of  1904  to  become 
directly  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  the  work,  and 
to  appoint  the  members  of  the  Board  of  Manage- 
ment (See  Appendix  F). 

It  is  the  policy  to  reorganize  these  temporary  As- 


ORGANIZATION  35 

sociations  on  the  regular  basis  as  early  as  practicable. 

II.     The  Board  of  Management 

The  Board  of  Management  of  a  Railroad  Asso- 
ciation or  Branch  should  be  composed  of  not  less 
than  five  men.  Nine  is  a  preferable  number,  and  in 
exceptional  cases  a  larger  number  may  be  used  to 
advantage.  These  men  must  be  chosen  from  the 
membership  of  the  Association,  and  are  eligible  for 
the  position  only  so  long  as  they  maintain  member- 
ship standing. 

Since  this  group  of  men  is  responsible  for  the 
Association  with  all  its  interests,  it  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  that  they  be  the  most  able  and  influen- 
tial men  available. 

They  should,  as  far  as  practicable,  represent  the 
various  departments  of  railroad  service,  and  also 
the  different  denominations  represented  by  the 
churches  in  the  community. 

It  is  sometimes  advisable  to  have  an  Executive 
Committee,  composed  usually  of  the  officers  of  the 
Association,  with  authority  to  act  in  emergencies 
when  a  full  board  meeting  cannot  be  secured,  such 
action  to  be  passed  upon  by  the  board  at  its  next 
regular  meeting. 

I.  Qualifications  of  a  Member  of  the  Board  of 
Management 

(i)  He  must  be  a  Christian  of  unquestioned 


36  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

moral  character,  a  man  who  lives  out  his  reHgion  in 
e very-day  life. 

(2)  He  must  be  a  member  of  a  Christian  Church, 
according  to  the  Association  test  of  active  member- 
ship. He  should  magnify  the  Church,  and  in  his 
Association  work  recognize  the  fundamental  unity  of 
Association  and  Church  —  commending  the  Asso- 
ciation on  this  ground  to  the  sympathy  and  support 
of  the  Church. 

(3)  He  must  be  a  man  who  can  listen  with 
patience  and  understanding  to  the  ideas  of  others 
and  who  can  fall  in  cheerfully  with  the  decision  of 
the  majority. 

(4)  He  must  be  one  whose  interest  in  the  Asso- 
ciation is  deep  enough  to  make  him  give  the  neces- 
sary time  to  the  task  in  hand.  The  duties  of  the 
post  are  serious,  in  study  and  in  constructive  plan- 
ning; and  some  sacrifice  of  time  and  energy  is  un- 
avoidable. Regularity  in  attendance  on  meetings 
is  indispensable  in  a  Board  member. 

(5)  He  should  surely  be  one  who  is  willing  to 
contribute  to  the  Association  something  in  addition 
to  his  membership  fee. 

2.  Duties  of  the  Board  of  Management 

( I )  The  modern  Railroad  Association  engages  in 
extensive  welfare  work  demanding  considerable 
equipment  and  organization.  The  work  is  a  large 
business  enterprise.     The  Board  should  set  an  ex- 


ORGANIZATION  37 

ample  of  decision  and  regularity  in  its  own  meet- 
ings, and  insist  that  every  detail  of  the  business  of 
the  Association  should  be  carried  on  in  a  manner 
above  reproach.  The  Board  is  responsible  for  the 
standing  of  the  Association  in  the  community. 

(2)  The  Board  should  recognize  in  the  Secretary, 
not  a  clerk,  but  a  responsible  and  expert  executive 
officer  of  the  Association.  It  should  counsel  with 
him  as  such  and  be  always  sympathetic  with  him  in 
his  endeavor  to  fulfil  his  exacting  task.  They 
should  see  that  he  has  opportunity  to  keep  abreast  of 
the  movement  by  attendance  upon  Conventions  and 
Conferences,  and  the  Summer  Schools,  recognizing 
such  as  a  legitimate  charge  upon  the  Association  if 
it  is  to  have  the  advantage  of  the  world's  experience 
in  Association  work.  The  Board  should  grant  the 
Secretary  a  reasonable  vacation  each  year. 

(3)  The  Board  must  take  upon  itself  the  re- 
sponsibility of  keeping  ever  prominent  in  the  work 
the  ultimate  aim  of  the  Association  —  winning  men 
to  Jesus  Christ  and  relating  them  to  the  Church. 
The  Board  can  do  everything  in  keeping  to  maintain 
the  proper  balance  and  essential  emphasis  in  the 
various  activities  of  the  Association. 

III.     The  Membership 

Good  results  should,  and  no  doubt  do,  overflow 
the  immediate  bounds  of  every  Railroad  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  building.     Yet  the  As- 


38  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

sociation  which  seeks  to  do  a  strong  and  telling  work 
must  recognize  that  its  great  opportunity  to  serve 
the  Kingdom  of  Christ  is  in  and  through  its  mem- 
bership. It  is,  therefore,  essential  to  inspire  the 
members  to  self -improvement,  to  the  cultivation  of 
Christian  character,  and  to  service  for  others.  De- 
velopment of  the  individual  members  multiplies  the 
power  of  the  Association  and  sets  in  motion  forces 
for  good  that  will  continue  until  the  end  of  time. 

The  Railroad  Association  endeavors  to  avoid  em- 
barrassing distinctions  between  those  members  who 
are  professing  Christians  and  those  who  are  not,  andy 
as  a  rule,  the  same  form  of  ticket  is  used  for  both 
classes. 

It  should  be  appreciated,  however,  that  it  is  the 
evangelical  church  membership  test  for  voting  and 
office  holding  which  insures  an  Association  against 
drifting  away  from  its  religious  purpose.  This  test 
is  also  necessary  if  the  organization  is  to  be  a  part 
of  the  general  Association  movement.  Christian 
men  should  be  solicited  to  join  for  service  rather 
than  for  benefits,  since  to  this  class  the  Association 
must  look  for  its  chief  strength  and  its  volunteer 
working  force. 

Information  as  to  church  affiliation  should  be 
secured  on  the  application  blank  and  kept  in  the 
membership  records. 

The  custom  of  interchange  of  tickets  fosters  the 


ORGANIZATION  39 

brotherhood  idea,  and  helps  to  develop  the  spirit  of 
a  world-fraternity. 

As  a  purely  commercial  proposition  the  privileges 
afforded  could  not  be  offered  for  the  fees  paid. 
The  partnership  of  the  Railroad  Companies,  which 
makes  possible  the  work,  should  be  understood  and 
appreciated  by  the  entire  membership.  There 
should  be  a  spirit  of  real  cooperation  to  maintain 
the  Association  and  to  make  its  work  successful  in 
every  respect. 

Every  member  should  be  made  to  feel  that  he 
owes  the  Association  more  than  his  membership  fee. 
It  should  be  assumed  that  he  is  in  sympathy  with  its 
Christian  purpose  and  that  he  is  willing  to  render 
some  service  in  its  accomplishment. 

IV.     The  Committees 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  no  two  Railroad 
Associations  or  Departments  are  alike,  experience 
has  demonstrated  that,  as  a  rule,  there  are  certain 
well-defined  lines  of  work  which  may  be  successfully 
promoted  in  all  Associations  and  as  rapidly  as  pos- 
sible men  should  be  discovered  to  assume  definite 
responsibility  through  committee  service  in  carrying 
out  the  regular  work  of  the  Associations.  The  fol- 
lowing Committees  consisting  in  the  main  of  from 
three  to  five  men  are  found  in  many  of  the  Railroad 
Associations:     Business  or  Finance,  House,  Mem- 


40  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

bership,  Social,  Religious,  Educational,  Restaurant, 
Physical,  and  Boys.  Each  committee  should,  wher- 
ever possible,  meet  monthly.  Occasional  confer- 
ences, rallies,  or  banquets  of  the  united  committee 
force,  with  reports  and  brief  addresses,  will  stimu- 
late interest.  As  helpful,  however,  as  committee 
meetings  may  be,  the  vital  thing  is  to  get  the  indi- 
vidual at  work.  In  some  of  the  more  remote  rail- 
road terminals  where  regular  meetings  cannot  be 
held  a  helpful  committee  service  is  still  possible  by 
working  through  individual  effort. 

The  prospective  committee  man  should  be  given  a 
definite  idea  of  the  nature  of  the  work  to  be  required 
of  him  and  his  acceptance  should  be  confirmed  by 
official  appointment  and  notification. 

The  securing  of  best  available  men  to  assume  com- 
mittee responsibility  is  a  vital  matter  to  the  Associa- 
tion membership.  The  kind  of  work  to  be  done 
should  be  considered  with  the  fitness  of  the  man  for 
the  work. 

The  prospective  committee  man  should  be  told  by 
the  chairman  of  the  Association's  responsibilities  and 
needs  and  the  part  expected  of  him,  together  with 
the  probable  amount  of  time  required  and  what  per- 
sonal expense,  if  any,  is  involved. 

It  should  be  the  aim  of  the  Association  officers 
and  their  executives  to  draw  into  fellowship  and 
leadership  the  very  strongest  and  best  men  in  the 
community. 


Ill 

THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY 


CHAPTER  III 
THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY 

The  Railroad  Secretaryship  is  an  office  of  en- 
larging opportunity  and  significance,  offering,  as  it 
does,  an  opportunity  for  the  investment  of  life 
service  by  men  eager  to  serve  God  among  those  who 
construct  and  operate  the  railroads  of  North 
America.  There  is  no  scarcity  of  men  willing  to 
enter  this  vocation;  but,  as  the  movement  grows  in 
numbers  and  extent,  there  is  found  to  be  increasing 
difficulty  in  securing  men  whose  abilities,  training, 
and  unselfish  lives,  combined  with  certain  essential 
personal  qualifications,  give  promise  of  fruitful  and 
continuous  secretarial  careers. 

The  secretary  is  the  salaried  executive  officer  of 
the  organization ;  he  is  employed  to  spend  his  entire 
time  in  the  interests  of  the  Association  in  its  work 
for  the  physical,  intellectual,  social,  and  spiritual  wel- 
fare of  railroad  men.  He  is  the  organizer  and 
director  of  the  Association  activities  and  forces,  he 
is  responsible  for  keeping  in  the  forefront  the  true 
purpose  of  the  organization  and  for  commending  it 
to  those  who  judge  it  largely  from  the  personality 

43 


44  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

of  its  employed  force.  While  it  is  impossible  here 
to  describe  fully  all  the  qualifications  desirable  for 
this  important  position,  it  will  be  helpful  to  con- 
sider some  which  time  and  experience  have  demon- 
strated to  be  essential.  Any  man  lacking  these 
would  do  well  to  pause  before  thinking  seriously  of 
this  vocation. 

I.     Essential  Qualifications 

(i)  Christian  Character  and  Purpose,  A  well- 
grounded  Christian  character,  which  is  daily  nur- 
tured by  Bible  study  and  prayer;  complete  personal 
commitment  to  the  cause  of  Christ  and  to  the  high- 
est interests  of  railroad  men;  a  faith  courageous 
enough  to  stand  firm  in  fields  where  there  are  few 
Christian  associates  but  many  enticements  to  com- 
promise and  sin  —  all  these  are  fundamental. 
Without  such  essential  soundness,  the  most  brilliant 
social  and  intellectual  gifts  amount  to  very  little. 

(2)  Good  Health.  The  railroad  secretary  must 
spend  long  hours  at  his  work,  he  must  carry  a  heavy 
financial  and  administrative  burden,  every  day  he 
must  face  experiences  that  are  a  persistent  drain 
upon  strength  and  sympathies.  To  perform  prop- 
erly these  varied  and  exacting  duties,  a  man  must 
have  health.  No  man  without  it  is  justified  in  en- 
tering the  railroad  secretaryship. 

(3)  Business  Ability,  The  modern  Railroad  As- 
sociation is  an  important  business  enterprise.     The 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  45 

secretary  is  responsible  for  the  expenditure  of  large 
sums  of  money,  which  must  be  so  distributed  as  to 
render  maximum  service;  and  he  is  held  to  the 
closest  accounting  for  all  funds.  There  are  ad- 
ministrative problems  by  the  score  rising  every  day. 
Just  those  qualities  that  are  needed  for  handling  im- 
portant commercial  enterprises  are  required  in  a  suc- 
cessful secretary.  He  must  guard  against  v^raste 
and  extravagance.  He  must  be  ever  alert  for  every 
legitimate  means  of  increasing  revenue  —  in  times 
of  business  depression  this  fine  quality  has  saved 
not  only  the  credit  but  the  very  life  of  many  Asso- 
ciations. Without  a  real  talent  for  business,  a  secre- 
tary cannot  successfully  conduct  a  Railroad  Associa- 
tion. 

(4)  Leadership.  The  secretary  who  tries  to  do 
all  the  work  has  mistaken  the  aim  of  the  Association 
and  the  nature  of  his  own  calling :  he  becomes  merely 
the  paid  agent  of  an  institution  instead  of  being  the 
leader  of  an  association.  He  who  cannot  draw  out 
the  volunteer  forces,  inspiring  men  to  work  and  dis- 
covering for  them  powers  they  never  knew  they  had, 
is  not  fitted  for  the  office  of  railroad  secretary.  The 
real  leader  very  frequently  is  the  most  inconspicuous 
man  in  the  procession:  he  is  the  man  who  takes 
his  satisfaction  in  having  put  others  in  prominent 
positions,  who  is  always  persuading  men  to  bear  re- 
sponsibility for  themselves,  and  who  cares  for  the 
applause  of  men  only  when  it  goes  to  some  one  else. 


46  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

The  real  leader  never  robs  another  man  of  the  price- 
less privilege  of  service.  Such  leadership  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  in  the  work  under  consideration; 
for  its  whole  aim  is,  not  to  get  things  done,  but  to 
make  men. 

(5)  Love  for  Men,  Those  who,  on  the  one 
hand,  have  looked  upon  the  railroad  secretaryship 
as  a  mere  job  and  those,  on  the  other,  who  have 
thought  of  it  as  a  pleasant  and  profitable  sinecure, 
have  invariably  paid  for  their  mistakes  with  dismal 
failure.  The  results  of  this  type  of  work  do  not 
always  show  like  a  dividend  on  a  director's  state- 
ment, and  there  are  many  disappointments  and  dis- 
couragements. A  true  love  of  men,  next  to  supreme 
faith  in  God,  is  the  prime  force  that  will  keep  the 
secretary's  spirit  calm  when  the  treasury  is  low, 
popularity  apparently  on  the  wane,  and  difficulties 
surely  increasing.  Since  the  aim  is  to  make  men, 
the  man  who  does  not  really  love  men  and  earnestly 
desire  to  help  them  in  Christ's  name,  cannot  get 
through  the  long,  hard  grind,  while  if  he  has  this 
flame  of  eager  comradeship  the  darkest  days  are 
made  bright  and  purposeful. 

(6)  Tact.  After  all,  tact  simply  means  an  ability 
to  put  one's  self  in  the  place  of  the  other  fellow.  It 
does  not  involve  mere  diplomacy,  it  simply  means 
active  sympathy.  He  who  has  this  quality  can  see 
all  the  truth  in  conflicting  interests,  bring  together 
antagonistic    personalities,    and    say    the    difficult, 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  47 

necessary  things  in  the  kindest  possible  manner. 
The  secretary's  work  is  so  much  with  **  people  ''  that 
he  must  have  a  fair  measure  of  this  kind  of  sym- 
pathy. 

(7)  Industry.  In  the  railroad  secretaryship 
there  are  long  hours  and  much  hard  work.  The 
demands  are  irregular  and  exacting.  It  is  well  to 
face  this  condition  at  the  very  beginning.  He  who 
is  a  stickler  for  his  specific  rights  and  who  takes 
down  his  hat  the  second  the  whistle  blows  will  not 
be  content  in  this  work. 

(8)  Thrift.  As  a  general  rule  the  size  of  a 
man's  job  in  Association  work  is  determined  by  the 
man  and  not  by  the  enterprise.  The  job  is  con- 
stantly above  and  beyond  the  man.  This  means  that 
every  minute  of  time,  every  ounce  of  strength,  every 
cent  of  money,  must  be  conserved  up  to  the  very 
limit.  The  secretary  need  not  be  a  miser  to  have  a 
clear  sense  of  thrift  and  an  understanding  of  the 
principle  that  only  he  who  husbands  his  resources  of 
all  kinds  can  stand  the  stress  of  a  great  crisis. 

These  qualities  are  some  of  them  inborn,  while 
some  are  liable  to  be  more  or  less  undeveloped  in 
early  life.  All  are  distinctly  capable  of  cultivation. 
At  least  the  possibility  of  these  qualities  should  be 
clearly  evident  before  a  man  seriously  thinks  of 
the  secretaryship.  They  head  up  in  that  vital  force, 
so  powerful  and  yet  so  hard  to  define  —  personal- 
ity. 


48  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

II.     Additional  Serviceable  Qualifications 

The  foregoing  qualities  are  considered  by  the  ma- 
jority of  men  of  long  experience  to  be  essential  re- 
quirements for  this  calling.  There  are  others,  how- 
ever, that  are  of  great  value.  Some  suggestion  as 
to  these  may  be  of  assistance  in  opening  up  lines  of 
careful  self -development  in  the  interest  of  the  widest 
efficiency. 

(i)  Personal  Appearance,  The  ordinary  forms 
of  polite  society,  while  not  the  most  important  things 
in  life,  indicate  and  help  to  maintain  proper  self- 
respect.  Dirty  shoes,  soiled  linen,  and  an  unshaven 
face  have  often  stood  between  a  really  earnest  man 
and  his  largest  usefulness.  It  is  easy  to  lapse  from 
a  slovenly  person  into  slovenly  work.  The  secretary 
may  well  keep  a  careful  observance  of  the  simple 
conventions  of  the  best  men  among  whom  he  works. 

(2)  Teaching  Ability,  The  day  may  have  gone 
by  when  ability  to  teach  may  be  regarded  as  a  funda- 
mental requirement  of  the  secretary,  but  this  quality 
of  imparting  truth  by  the  teaching  method  is  a 
valuable  asset.  A  secretary  who  can  properly  lead 
a  group  in  Bible  Study  will  find  many  occasions 
when  he  may  put  his  talent  in  use. 

(3)  Public  Speaking,  Many  successful  secre- 
taries have  lacked  this  gift.  Nevertheless,  the  abil- 
ity, which  is  often  the  result  of  faithful  effort,  to 
express  one's  thoughts   clearly  and   forcefully   in 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  49 

public,  is  of  value  and,  when  used  within  reasonable 
limits  for  Association  purposes,  is  useful  both  to  the 
Movement  and  to  the  speaker. 

(4)  Attractiveness.  Artificial  sentiment  is. 
wholly  disgusting  but  an  ability  to  win  the  love  and 
respect  of  men  arising  from  a  genuine  desire  to  be 
friendly  is  a  real  asset  in  the  secretaryship.  \To  win 
and  permanently  hold  the  love  and  respect  of  strong 
men,  it  is  necessary  first  of  all  to  merit  them;  and 
then  also  it  is  necessary  that  each  man  overcome  the 
excessive  reserve  that  is  natural  to  us  all,  and  be 
willing  to  share  the  best  things  of  his  life.  The 
quality  of  "  attractiveness ''  is  a  by-product  of  sin- 
cerity and  unselfish  love. 

It  would  be  possible  to  add  to  this  list  of  qualities, 
but  he  who  possesses  the  qualifications  mentioned  as 
fundamental  and  also  some  of  those  classed  as  de- 
sirable, has  a  working  basis  from  which  he  may,  if 
he  will,  develop  a  life  rich  in  helpfulness  to  men. 

III.     Three  Practical  Questions 

There  are  three  practical  and  important  questions 
that  suggest  themselves  to  the  thoughtful  inquirer 
regarding  the  secretaryship. 

I.  Remuneration 

The  secretaryship  requires  a  man's  entire  time  and 
undivided  attention  and  does  not  offer  financial  re- 
turns equal  to  those  of  certain  business  and  pro- 


so  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

fessional  callings.  It  is  well  to  face  frankly  this 
fact  at  the  outset.  It  is  true,  however,  that  the 
average  secretarial  salary  is  somewhat  higher  than 
that  of  the  average  teacher  or  preacher.  A  compe- 
tent man  is  sure  of  an  income  sufficient  for  his  needs, 
and  in  addition,  finds  a  larger  reward  in  the  joy  of 
the  work.  The  Association  pays  for  and  is  entitled 
to  the  secretary's  entire  time  and  strength,  and  in 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties  he  will  find 
no  time  to  devote  to  other  lines  of  work  to  add  to 
his  personal  income. 

2.  Length  of  Service 

Whether  the  secretaryship  is  a  life  calling  or  not 
is  dependent  largely  upon  the  individual.  The  great 
question  is  not  so  much,  "  How  many  years  will  I 
spend  in  this  service?''  but,  "Does  God  want  me 
there  now  and  have  I  any  real  contribution  to  make 
in  that  office  for  my  fellow-men?"  So  long  as  a 
man's  heart  keeps  young,  his  body  reasonably  strong 
and  his  spirit  unabated,  years  tend  to  increase  rather 
than  lessen  his  value  as  a  secretary.  This  is  par- 
ticularly true  of  the  Railroad  Department  where 
most  of  the  work  is  among  mature  men.  It  is  safe 
to  say  that,  subject  to  the  limitations  of  all  callings, 
the  railroad  secretaryship  offers  a  life  work  to  a  man 
possessing  the  qualities  for  that  office.  The  dead- 
line has  no  fears  for  the  live  man. 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  51 

3.  Preparation  and  Training 

There  is  a  growing  feeling  among  the  leaders  in 
this  movement  that  a  man  ought  to  have  as  a  foun- 
dation at  least  a  high-school  training  or  its  equiva- 
lent before  entering  the  secretaryship.  This  may 
sometimes  mean  that  a  man  will  defer  his  entrance 
for  a  year  or  two  while  he  devotes  himself  to  special 
study.  It  is  true  that  some  men  have  succeeded  with 
very  limited  educational  equipment;  but  successful 
secretaries  under  such  conditions  are  exceptional, 
and  only  unusual  gifts  should  lead  a  man  to  offer 
himself  for  this  service  without  this  preparation. 

As  the  Railroad  Department  grows,  it  is  becoming 
clearer  that  technical  preparation  in  addition  to  high 
school  or  college  training  is  desirable.  The  secre- 
taryship is  becoming  an  office  of  such  varied  duties 
that  technical  training  greatly  increases  the  proba- 
bility of  success.  Four  ways  of  obtaining  such 
training  are  open  to  men  looking  forward  to  the 
secretaryship  as  a  life  work. 

(i)  Personal  study.  This  is  the  least  desirable 
method  except  as  an  essential  part  of  the  other 
methods,  but  better  than  none  at  all.  Diligent  read- 
ing of  Association  literature,  attendance  upon  Asso- 
ciation conventions  and  conferences,  interviews  with 
Association  leaders,  and  participation  in  the  activi- 
ties of  the  nearest  Association  will  prove  helpful. 


52  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

(2)  Experience  as  cm  assistant.  A  man  who  se- 
cures a  position  as  an  assistant  for  two  or  three 
years  has  an  opportunity  to  study  the  Association  at 
close  range  and  to  gain  valuable  experience.  Men 
have  frequently  accepted  such  positions  at  low  salary 
because  of  the  opportunity  afforded  for  observation 
and  training. 

(3)  Summer  schools.  Railroad  Secretarial 
Schools  are  held  yearly  in  different  parts  of  the 
United  States  and  Canada.  The  course  covers  three 
seasons  of  from  two  to  four  weeks  each.  Technical 
instruction  is  furnished  by  competent  teachers. 
Examinations  are  held  and  diplomas  or  certificates 
granted.  The  price  for  instruction  is  as  low  as  is 
consistent  with  good  work.  If  a  man  is  not  a  gradu- 
ate of  one  of  the  regular  training  schools,  he  should 
not  be  encouraged  to  enter  the  secretaryship  until  he 
has  had  instruction  in  one  of  these  summer  schools  or 
agrees  to  take  such  a  course  at  the  first  opportunity. 

(4)  Technical  training.  The  establishment  of 
Railroad  Department  training  courses  at  the  Asso- 
ciation Colleges  will  be  increasingly  recommended 
to  the  thoughtful  young  men  desiring  to  more  effi- 
ciently fit  themselves  for  their  chosen  work  as  Secre- 
taries. 

The  courses  cover  a  period  of  two  years  and  pro- 
vide for  a  diploma  and  degree.  Information  and 
catalogues  may  be  obtained  upon  application  to  the 
Association  Colleges. 


IV 

THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  (Continued) 


CHAPTER  IV 
THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY   (Continued) 

The  personal  life  of  the  secretary  will  largely 
determine  the  value  of  his  work  as  an  employed 
officer  of  the  Railroad  Young  Men's  Christian  As- 
sociation. As  water  never  rises  above  the  level  of 
its  source,  so  his  work  will  never  rise  above  the 
level  of  his  real  self.  It  is  not  the  purpose  here  to 
lay  down  an  exhaustive  or  rigid  code  of  conduct  but 
rather  to  suggest  some  of  the  habits  that  have  in 
part  contributed  to  the  highest  usefulness. 

I.     His  Religious  Life 

No  man  can  succeed  as  a  secretary  who  becomes 
careless  or  indifferent  in  regard  to  the  following 
vital  points : 

I.  Bible  Study 

He  who  becomes  so  interested  in  organization, 
machinery,  and  reports  that  he  neglects  daily  syste- 
matic study  of  the  Bible  is  not  fit  for  the  secretarial 
office. 

55 


56  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

2.  Prayer 

It  is  the  history  of  the  movement  that,  without 
exception,  the  men  who  in  the  secretaryship  have 
rendered  enduring  service  have  always  been  men  of 
prayer. 

3.  Personal  Work 

An  unswerving  determination  to  endeavor  to  lead 
men  into  the  Christian  life  and  into  active  Christian 
service  is  the  measure  of  the  secretary's  desire  to 
live  up  to  the  responsibilities  and  opportunities  of  his 
calling. 

11.     His  Intellectual  Life 

The  railroad  secretary  must  be  a  student.  His 
work  demands  it  both  as  a  technical  task  to  be  mas- 
tered to  its  utmost  detail  and  as  an  opportunity  for 
leadership  among  men  of  knowledge  as  well  as  ex- 
perience. Academic  training  does  not  always  make 
a  student,  and  many  of  little  academic  training  have 
by  persistent  effort  become  men  of  sound  education 
and  culture.  The  three  great  qualities  of  a  true 
student  are  a  desire  for  truth,  persistent  industry, 
and  a  passion  for  accuracy  and  precision.  These  do 
not  apply  to  books  alone. 

But  books  are  the  stored-up  experience  of  the  past. 
Through  them  we  are  enabled  to  know  what  were 
the  mistakes  of  the  past,  we  can  begin  where  our 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  57 

forefathers  left  off,  and  best  of  all,  it  is  possible  to 
actually  become  friends  with  the  great  men  and 
women  of  all  ages  in  the  messages  they  have  sent 
down  to  us. 

Read  regularly,  and  then  use  up  the  odd  moments 
of  the  day  by  having  a  book  near  at  hand.  Ten  or 
twenty  minutes  every  day  and  a  little  here  and  there 
besides  will  mount  up  in  a  year.  Read  broadly:  the 
reading  of  the  Bible  will  be  made  more  interesting 
and  profitable  if  there  is  a  wide  touch  with  other 
great  writers.  Truth  is  many-sided;  we  easily  be- 
come blind  by  steady  gazing.  Read  carefully: 
precise  and  accurate  knowledge  is  the  thing  needed 
in  this  world;  better  a  page  grasped  than  a  chapter 
skimmed,  better  a  fact  possessed  than  a  hundred 
generalities  hastily  scanned.  Read  with  others:  it 
is  a  good  thing  to  join  a  Chautauqua  or  local  reading 
circle.  Cultivate  acquaintanceship  with  men  of  large 
information:  in  every  community,  however  isolated,, 
there  are  always  a  few  men  whose  companionship 
means  intellectual  stimulus. 

The  faithful  student  brings  to  his  work  a  mind 
stored  with  useful  knowledge  and  disciplined  to 
mental  effort. 

III.     His  Relations  to  the  Church 

There  are  some  things  for  which  a  secretary  must 
stand  and  also  some  things  he  should  be  very  care- 
ful to  avoid. 


S8  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

1.  What  Should  He  Stand  For? 

(i)  Church  membership.  This  is  indispensable. 
Practical  loyalty  to  the  Church  of  Christ  by  the 
secretary  himself  must  precede  urging  other  men  to 
similar  allegiance.  It  is  well,  where  possible  and 
not  inconsistent  with  denominational  conviction,  to 
unite  with  a  church  in  a  railroad  neighborhood  or 
one  largely  attended  by  railroad  men.  The  matter 
of  the  transfer  of  his  church  membership  should  be 
given  prompt  attention  by  the  secretary  upon  enter- 
ing a  new  field. 

(2)  Church  attendance.  This  is  essential  to  his 
own  spiritual  health  and  also  as  an  example  to  other 
men.  It  is  well  to  attend  one's  own  church  at  one 
service  and  to  visit  others  in  turn  as  frequently  as 
possible. 

(3)  Church  support.  The  secretary  should  sup- 
port the  church  of  his  choice  by  his  cooperation  and 
financial  aid.  The  fact  that  he  is  in  Christian  work 
increases  his  responsibility  in  this  respect,  and  he 
should  give  cheerfully  of  time  and  money  according 
to  his  ability. 

2.  What  Should  He  Avoid? 

(i)  Criticism  of  pastors  and  churches.  Such 
criticism  usually  springs  from  partial  knowledge  and 
often  reflects  unjustly  upon  godly  men.     Concern- 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  59 

ing  Christian  workers  and  institutions  a  secretary 
may  well  keep  silent  where  he  cannot  praise. 

(2)  Church  office.  Experience  has  demonstrated 
that  it  is  wise  for  a  secretary  to  avoid  holding  any 
church  office  that  will  lessen  his  freedom  in  attending 
and  cooperating  with  other  churches.  This  is  es- 
pecially true  in  small  railroad  fields  where  churches 
are  few  and  all  need  his  sympathy  and  cooperation. 

(3)  Preaching.  While  occasional  gospel  talks 
and  Association  addresses  have  a  useful  place  in  the 
program  of  the  secretary,  he  makes  a  mistake  if  he 
allows  himself  to  become  looked  upon  as  a  preacher 
through  the  frequency  of  his  filling  pulpits  or  the 
unconscious  assumption  of  ministerial  affectations 
or  manners.  To  fill  a  pulpit  for  a  period  of  weeks 
involves  probable  neglect  of  Association  duties  if  a 
man  properly  prepares  for  such  services,  while  to 
present  inadequately  prepared  addresses  is  an  insult 
to  an  audience.  Secretaries  should  never  preach, 
and  only  on  rare  occasions  occupy  pulpits;  and  at 
such  times  only  deliver  simple  gospel  or  Association 
addresses. 

(4)  Church  factions.  Participation  in  any 
church  division  is  unfortunate.  Some  secretaries 
have  lost  influence  with  a  large  part  of  the  member- 
ship by  becoming  entangled  in  church  disputes. 

A  secretary  should  be  broad  in  his  church  sym- 
pathies, glad  to  assist  any  effort  whose  purpose  is  to 


6o  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

help  men  and  extend  the  Kingdom  of  God.  He 
should  remember  that  the  Church  is  not  confined 
within  the  walls  of  any  building  or  the  limitations 
of  any  system  of  doctrine. 

IV.     His  Social  Relations 

Every  community,  however  small,  has  its  social 
life;  and  this  is  as  distinct  and  important  an  activity 
as  any  others  in  the  community.  Its  effects  are  deep 
and  far-reaching.  To  every  Christian  man  this 
social  life  presents  a  duty  and  the  secretary  will  also 
find  there  a  great  opportunity.  The  ideals  of 
balance,  wholesomeness,  and  Christian  sacrifice  are 
much  needed  in  the  affairs  of  social  intercourse. 
The  busy  secretary  will  have  neither  the  time  nor  the 
inclination  to  spend  many  hours  in  mere  diversion, 
but  at  many  points  he  may  render  service  and  in- 
crease his  own  efficiency  by  mingling  with  people. 
Needless  to  say,  the  secretary  should  be  conversant 
with  the  ordinary  forms  and  conventions  of  good 
society,  so  that  he  may  cast  no  reproach  upon  him- 
self or  the  important  office  it  is  his  to  represent. 

V.     His  Relation  to  Fraternal  Societies 

Brotherhoods,  fraternities,  societies  and  various 
clubs  are  found  in  practically  every  railroad  com- 
munity and  it  often  happens  that  a  majority  of  the 
men  within  the  field  will  be  members  of  some  one  or 
more  of  these  organizations.     In  his  relation  to  these 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  6i 

fraternal  societies  the  secretary  may  take  one  of 
several  positions. 

1.  Non-recognition 

This  is  a  short-sighted  attitude,  for  whatever  af- 
fects men  in  large  numbers  is  worth  careful  thought 
and  consideration. 

2.  Active  Antagonism 

Experience  has  proved  that  this  course  leads  to 
Association  loss  and  regret. 

3.  Enthusiastic  Cooperation 

In  view  of  the  many  duties  devolving  upon  the 
busy  secretary,  he  will  probably  have  neither  time 
nor  inclination  for  enthusiastic  endeavor  beyond  the 
Hmits  of  the  Church  and  the  Association. 

4.  Discriminating  Sympathy 

This  would  appear  to  be  the  wise  attitude  for  a 
secretary  to  assume  in  his  relation  to  these  organiza- 
tions. 

The  following  suggestions  may  be  helpful :  ( i ) 
Never  condemn  save  under  grave  conditions  and  for 
sufficient  reasons.  (2)  Seek  opportunities  for  help- 
ful contact;  diligent  search  may  reveal  many  more 
such  opportunities  than  at  first  observed.  (3) 
Praise  where  praise  is  deserved;  to  do  this  is  only 
fair  and  will  be  appreciated.     (4)   Remember  that 


62  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

good  men  belong  to  these  organizations  and  that 
many  of  them  are  doing  much  good. 

VI.     His  Relation  to  Community  Life 

The  secretary  is  a  citizen,  has  a  relation  to  the 
civic  Hfe  of  the  community,  and  cannot  avoid  his 
share  of  responsibility  for  civic  welfare  and  right- 
eousness. He  should  have  pride  and  interest  in  the 
community  he  serves  and  gladly  cooperate,  where 
feasible,  in  efforts  towards  its  further  beautifying 
and  enlarging.  He  should  be  ambitious  for  its  prog- 
ress and  development.  It  is  a  serious  mistake  to 
see  and  dwell  only  upon  the  faults  and  shortcomings 
of  the  towns  in  which  Associations  are  located, 
thereby  offending  good  people  to  whom  these  places 
are  dear.  Wherever  he  may  be  placed,  the  wise 
secretary  applies  to  himself  the  words  of  Paul,  "  I 
am  a  citizen  of  no  mean  city." 

Vn.     His  Relation  to  Reform  Movements 

A  difficult  question  frequently  confronting  a  secre- 
tary is  what  his  relation  should  be  to  various  moral 
and  reform  movements.  It  is  clear  that  he  must  be 
neither  a  coward  nor  a  faddist.  He  is  the  former 
when  he  shrinks  from  acting  upon  his  honest  convic- 
tion and  the  latter  when  he  rushes  pell  mell  into  every 
movement  which  calls  itself  "  reform  ''  irrespective 
of  its  real  merit  or  purpose.  Consideration  of  the 
following  questions  may  help  a  young  secretary  in 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  63 

deciding  wisely  how  far  to  participate  in  these  move- 
ments. 

1.  Is  It  a  Real  Reform? 

Not  every  appeal  that  bears  this  name  will  stand 
the  test  of  investigation. 

2.  Will  It  Help  Railroad  Men? 

The  secretary  is  employed  to  work  definitely  for 
men  of  this  calling. 

3.  Would  Participation  in  This  Movement  Injure 

the  Association? 
So  long  as  a  man  remains  a  secretary  he  should 
place  the  Association  interests  above  personal  desires 
and  sometimes  above  personal  convictions.  In  his 
attitude  he  would  certainly  be  regarded  as  a  repre- 
sentative of  the  Association  and  he  has  no  right  to 
involve  other  men  without  their  consent. 

4.  Is  This  a  Movement  Concerning  Which  Good 

Men  Generally  Agree? 
The    practically    unanimous    judgment    of    the 
thoughtful  and  interested  railroad  men  of  a  com- 
munity is  almost  a  safe  guide. 

5.  Will  Time  Permit? 

Few  secretaries  succeed  in  even  approximately 
meeting  the  demands  upon  them  in  the  work  for 
which  they  are  directly  responsible,  and  can  seldom 
afford  any  digression  that  is  not  important  and  im- 


64  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

mediate.  The  best  investment  a  secretary  can  make 
of  his  time  is  to  do  the  work  for  which  he  is  em- 
ployed. The  mission  of  the  Association  is  big 
enough  to  challenge  the  best  there  is  in  any  man  for 
the  term  of  his  natural  life.  It  will  be  altogether  to 
his  credit  if  he  concentrates  time  and  attention  upon 
his  own  inspiring  task. 

6.  Shall  a  Secretary  Accept  a  Place  of  Leadership 
in  Reform  Movements? 

Even  if  the  questions  already  raised  have  been 
answered  satisfactorily  in  the  affirmative,  it  remains 
the  first  duty  of  a  secretary  to  use  other  men  in 
places  of  leadership  in  his  own  work  or  elsewhere 
whenever  possible.  Where  reform  movements  are 
concerned  there  are  invariably  men  competent  and 
willing  to  assume  places  of  responsibility,  and  the 
wise  secretary  finds  his  largest  usefulness  in  leading 
such  men  into  service. 

VIII.     His  Association  Relationships 

In  addition  to  the  general  relations  already  re- 
ferred to,  a  secretary  has  certain  Association  rela- 
tionships with  secretaries  and  volunteer  workers. 
To  the  consideration  of  such  relationships  attention 
may  well  be  given. 

I.  To  Officers  and  Directors 

Men  who  are  selected  by  Associations  or  specially 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  65 

appointed  to  positions  of  responsibility,  should  re- 
ceive from  the  secretary  due  recognition.  He  should 
realize  that  the  offices  they  hold  carry  with  them 
responsibihty  and  power,  but  he  should  remember 
that  these  men  are  busy  and  do  not  expect  to  have 
their  time  taken  up  with  matters  of  minor  importance 
which  a  competent  secretary  ought  to  be  able  to 
adjust.  The  less  men  are  bothered  by  minor  affairs, 
the  more  willing  they  are  to  sacrifice  time  and 
strength  to  promote  matters  of  real  moment.  A 
wise  secretary  is  constantly  cultivating  these  men  by 
bringing  to  their  attention  news  from  the  Associa- 
tion world  and  keeping  them  informed  concerning 
the  progress  of  the  local  Association.  Some  secre- 
taries make  the  mistake  of  cringing  before  men  in 
office  and  fawning  upon  them.  A  secretary  who  is 
faithful  to  his  opportunity  is  working  upon  a  basis 
of  equality  with  these  men,  an  equality  in  which  each 
should  be  glad  to  give  preference  to  the  other. 

2.  To  Members 

The  relation  of  a  secretary  to  the  membership 
should  be  characterized  first  of  all  by  a  spirit  of  per- 
sonal friendship.  He  who  cannot  win  the  friend- 
ship of  the  men  whom  he  serves  will  never  be  able 
to  enter  into  the  highest  privileges  and  joys  of  the 
secretarial  office.  No  other  duty  is  so  urgent  that 
it  should  be  permitted  to  stand  in  the  way  of  this. 
He  should  be  an  inspiration  to  the  men,  calling  them 


66  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

to  larger  service  by  the  daring  leadership  of  his  own 
life.  He  will  do  well  to  cultivate  in  himself  in  his 
relation  to  other  men  the  quality  of  patience.  Many 
railroad  men  who  have  stumbled  at  first  have  been 
led  by  patient  secretaries  into  lives  of  real  service. 

3.  To  Associates  and  Employees 

A  proper  understanding  of  the  relationship  be- 
tween a  secretary  and  his  associates  and  employees 
may  prevent  much  sorrow  and  difficulty.  He  is  not 
unjust  when  he  expects  service  more  than  commen- 
surate with  the  salaries  received,  but  he  should  do 
what  he  can  to  assure  them  such  adequate  remunera- 
tion as  may  be  within  the  ability  of  the  Association. 
He  should  be  ambitious  for  their  advancement  and 
rejoice  in  their  larger  opportunities,  even  though 
their  departure  may  involve  him  in  some  temporary 
inconvenience.  He  should  be  anxious  to  have  them 
share  in  Association  conferences  and  conventions 
and  receive  fair  treatment  in  the  matter  of  holidays 
and  vacations.  He  should  take  pleasure  in  en- 
couraging them  in  their  work  and  should  not  hesi- 
tate to  admonish  them  kindly  but  firmly  when  occa- 
sion calls.  He  should  be  willing  to  spend  time  in 
training  his  younger  men.  Above  all,  the  relation  of 
the  secretary  to  his  associates  and  assistants  and  to 
the  entire  membership  should  be  one  of  spiritual 
leadership.     He  should  find  the  way  in  which  he  can 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  67 

best  enter  into  their  inner  lives,  guide  them  in  their 
difficulties  and  point  out  the  path  to  victory. 

4.  To  Agencies  of  Supervision 

Every  secretary  has  an  important  relation  to  the 
Association  agencies  of  supervision.  He  who  fails 
to  recognize  such  relationship  does  so  at  the  loss  of 
much  that  would  be  helpful  to  him  and  to  the  Asso- 
ciation he  serves.  The  following  suggestions  may 
be  of  value :  ( i )  He  should  keep  fully  informed  as 
to  the  work  of  the  World,  International,  and  State 
or  Provincial  Committees.  (2)  He  should  see  that 
their  work  is  given  publicity  in  the  Association,  the 
Church,  and  the  community.  (3)  He  should  en- 
deavor to  secure  support  for  them  from  the  Associa- 
tion treasury  and  from  individual  givers,  and  should 
personally  participate  in  this  privilege.  (4)  He 
should  avail  himself  of  their  experience  and  counsel : 
this  will  save  him  from  many  unnecessary  mistakes. 
(5)  He  should  be  free  from  unfair  criticism.  The 
demands  for  supervision  are  many,  while  but  a 
limited  number  of  men  are  devoting  their  time  to  this 
important  work.  (6)  He  should  aid  wherever  pos- 
sible by  counsel  and  service. 

5.  To  Conventions  and  Conferences 

In  connection  with  his  relation  to  supervisory 
agencies  there  naturally  comes  the  question  of  con- 


68  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ferences  and  conventions.  His  right  relation  to  such 
gatherings  will  involve,  first,  cordial  cooperation 
in  securing  delegates  from  the  Association;  second, 
participation  either  in  the  program  or  working  force 
of  the  convention  so  far  as  practicable;  third,  loyal 
attendance  at  sessions;  and  forth,  local  utilization  of 
convention  suggestions  upon  return  home. 

The  secretary  whose  relation  to  conferences  and 
conventions  is  marked  by  these  characteristics  will 
find  the  Board  of  Directors  cordial  in  their  approval 
of  his  attending  such  gatherings. 

6.  To  the  Secretarial  Problem 

One  of  the  problems  in  the  Railroad  Department 
today  is  the  discovery  of  competent  men  for  the 
secretaryship.  A  secretary  has  a  relation  to  this 
problem  from  which  he  cannot  escape.  He  should 
be  eager  to  discover  capable  men  for  the  secretary- 
ship and,  having  discovered  them,  to  bring  them  to 
the  attention  of  the  supervisory  agencies  and  do  what 
he  can  to  lead  them  to  a  favorable  decision.  He 
should  encourage  in  every  possible  way  Association 
Colleges  and  Summer  Schools  that  they  may  become 
increasingly  effective  and  useful. 

7.  To  Other  Secretaries 

No  secretary  lives  unto  himself.  His  work  at 
many  points  comes  in  contact  with  that  of  his  fellow 
secretaries  in  other  fields  and,  unless  a  right  relation- 


THE  RAILROAD  SECRETARY  69 

ship  be  established  toward  them,  embarrassment  and 
misunderstanding  are  likely  to  ensue.  The  Secre- 
tary in  his  relation  to  his  brother  secretaries  should 
be  free  from  the  critical  attitude  —  to  speak  ill  of  a 
fellow  worker  is  unprofitable,  unkind,  and  un-Chris- 
tian;  from  jealousy  —  it  is  better  to  rejoice  in  a  fel- 
low secretary's  achievements  than  to  fall  prey  to 
jealous  resentment;  from  selfishness  —  every  secre- 
tary will  face  hours  when  selfishness  will  become  a 
real  temptation,  but  to  succumb  to  such  a  temptation 
will  mean  injustice  to  others  and  loss  of  character 
to  himself. 

While  a  secretary  should  be  free  from  these  and 
other  faults  in  contact  with  his  fellow  secretaries, 
there  are  certain  qualities  that  should  characterize 
friendly  and  brotherly  relations. 

He  should  rejoice  in  their  successes.  He  should 
manifest  brotherly  interest  in  them;  a  note  of  greet- 
ing sent  to  a  young  secretary  or  a  word  of  sympathy 
in  time  of  trouble,  or  just  a  note  of  fellowship  are 
all  evidences  of  comradeship  and  affection.  He 
should  profit  by  the  mistakes  of  other  secretaries. 
He  should  give  credit  to  other  men  who  do  good 
work.  He  should  be  appreciative  and  charitable 
toward  the  work  of  his  predecessor. 

8.  To  Change  of  Field 

Most  secretaries  have  occasion  sooner  or  later  to 
face  the  question  of  a  change  of  field.     It  is  essen- 


^o  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

tial  for  a  man  who  is  facing  this  question  to  be  in 
the  spirit  of  prayer,  for  so  much  is  at  issue  that  un- 
wise action  will  be  followed  by  useless  regret.  He 
should  be  free  from  haste  and  give  ample  notice  of 
any  change  of  position,  for  he  is  bound  to  consider 
not  only  his  own  interests  but  primarily  the  exten- 
sion of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  among  men.  He 
should  carefully  consider  the  needs  and  possibilities 
of  his  present  position.  By  such  an  investigation, 
men  have  found  the  larger  possibilities  of  the  fields 
in  which  they  have  been  working  for  years.  Being 
convinced,  however,  that  a  change  is  desirable,  he 
should  then  enter  upon  his  new  field  courageously, 
daring  to  undertake  hard  problems,  determined  to 
conquer  discouragement  and  bound,  by  God's  help, 
to  win  victory. 


V 

BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION 


CHAPTER  V 
BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION 

I.     Importance 

Amid  the  mass  of  reasons  that  are  given  for  the 
frequent  changes  in  the  general  secretaryship,  one 
stands  out  clear  and  alone.  Though  various  con- 
siderations may  affect  the  situation,  the  chief  reason 
why  men  drop  out  of  the  Association  secretaryship 
is  because  of  failure  due  to  poor  business  administra- 
tion. A  neat  building  and  a  well-arranged  program 
of  Association  activities  are  undoubtedly  necessary 
in  the  conduct  of  successful  work,  but  everything 
falls  down  if  the  secretary  cannot  prove  his  ability 
as  a  successful  business  administrator. 

The  secretary  is  the  confidential  officer  of  the  As- 
sociation, trusted  with  the  responsibility  of  the  busi- 
ness policy.  In  the  final  reckoning,  it  is  he  who  is 
accountable  for  the  money  invested  in  the  enterprise. 
The  religious  work  of  the  Association  is  the  center 
of  the  undertaking:  that  is  quite  true.  But  it  must 
be  remembered  that  lax  business  methods  are  not 
compatible  with  true  religion,  and  also  that  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  specifically  religious  work  depends 

73 


74  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

absolutely  upon  the  soundness  of  the  business 
foundations.  It  can  be  easily  understood  that  no 
excuse  of  pressure  of  other  work  will  serve  the  secre- 
tary who  fails  at  this  vital  point. 

II.     Features  of  Proper  Business 
Administration 

1.  A  Comprehensive  Plan 

The  general  plan  for  the  year's  business  adminis- 
tration operations  ought  to  be  worked  out  and  put 
down  in  black  and  white.  This  is  done  always  in 
the  affairs  of  large  corporations  and  in  the  conduct 
of  the  vast  and  complicated  business  of  the  modern 
civilized  nations.  Business  operations  are  by  their 
very  nature  precise,  and  they  are  successful  only 
when  planned  with  precision.  Every  railroad  secre- 
tary should  give  the  most  careful  attention  to  the 
planning  of  the  business  administration. 

*'  It  is  one  thing  to  plan  your  work,  and  another 
to  work  your  plans."  The  plan  must  be  made  to  be 
zvorkedj,  and  if  this  is  not  possible  then  a  new  plan 
is  needed.  But  an  intelligent  plan  consistently  car- 
ried out  will  result  in  a  systematic,  comprehensive, 
and  effective  business  administration  that  will  win 
the  confidence  of  the  railroad  company,  the  member- 
ship and  the  community. 

2.  The  Budget 

A  railroad  Association  must  have  an  operating  in- 


BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION  75 

come  that  is  a  little  larger  than  the  operating  ex- 
pense. There  is  always  a  double  process  going  on : 
first,  extending  the  income  to  meet  the  real  needs  of 
a  progressive  work ;  and  second,  cutting  expenses  so 
as  to  bring  them  within  the  actual  realized  income. 
Unless  there  be  known  in  advance  approximately  the 
amount  of  income  and  the  amount  of  expenditure, 
how  is  it  possible  to  bring  these  two  figures  together 
with  any  assurance  that  the  Association  will  be 
square  at  the  end  of  the  year? 

A  budget  is  absolutely  necessary.  In  a  budget  the 
estimated  income  and  expenditures  are  put  down  in 
detail.  Month  by  month  the  secretary  should  check 
his  work  by  the  budget;  so  that  if  the  estimated  ex- 
penditures are  being  exceeded,  a  readjustment  may 
be  made  in  time  to  correct  the  overbalancing  of  the 
Association's  financial  standing.  This  budget  will 
necessarily  be  based  upon  the  operating  income  and 
operating  expense  of  former  years. 

The  budget  should  be  prepared  by  the  secretary  in 
cooperation  with  the  finance  committee  and  should 
be  adopted  by  the  Board  of  Management  at  the  be- 
ginning of  each  fiscal  year.  If  for  any  reason  dur- 
ing the  year  the  amounts  appropriated  are  found  to 
be  insufficient,  no  one  has  any  authority  to  incur 
expense  beyond  the  appropriation  unless  the  appro- 
priation is  increased  by  action  of  the  Board. 

The  following  outline  of  a  budget  is  suggested  as 
a  proper  distribution  of  the  various  items  of  income 


76 


RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 


and  expense.  It  is  based  upon  the  Uniform  Book- 
keeping System  now  largely  used  by  the  railroad 
Associations.  The  general  plan  of  classification  will 
be  found  adaptable  to  the  needs  of  any  Association 
large  or  small.  The  general  arrangement  should 
not  be  changed. 

Suggested  Budget 
estimated  expense  estimated  income 


Administration 

Salaries 

Office  expenses 

Telegraph  and  tele- 
phone 

Conferences  and 
conventions 

Auditing 

State  and  Interna- 
tional Commit- 
tees 

Miscellaneous 

Maintenance  of  Building 

Labor 
Supplies 

Repairs  and  replace- 
ments 


Baths 

Billiards 

Bowling 

Bundle  Laundry 

Commissions 

Contributions 

Discount 

Dormitory 

Interest 

Lockers 

Membership 

Miscellaneous 

Railroad  Appropriations 

Restaurant 

Salable  Mdse 

Candy  and  gum 

Cigars  and  tobacco 

General 

Refreshments 


BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION  77 

ESTIMATED   EXPENSE  ESTIMATED   INCOME 

New  equipment  Vending  machines 

Heat  Miscellaneous 

Light 

Water 

Insurance 

Miscellaneous 

General  Expense 
Interest 

Loss  on  Collections 
Taxes 
Miscellaneous 

Departments  of  Service 
Baths 
Billiards 
Bowling 
Bundle  Laundry 
Dormitory 

Labor 

Supplies 

Laundry 

Repairs  and   Re- 
placements 

New  equipment 

Miscellaneous 
Educational 
Religious 


78  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ESTIMATED   EXPENSE  ESTIMATED   INCOME 

Restaurant 

Labor 

Food  supplies 

General  supplies 

Ice 

Repairs  and  Re- 
placements 

New  equipment 

Miscellaneous 
Salable  Mdse 

Candy  and  gum 

Cigars     and     to- 
bacco 

General 

Refreshments 

Vending  ma- 

chines 

Miscellaneous 
Social 

3.  Adequate  Accounting 

There  are  several  functions  of  accounting. 
Among  the  more  important  are  the  following: 

(i)  To  indicate  where  losses  and  gains  occur. 
In  order  to  determine  the  result  of  operation  as 
either  a  gain  or  a  loss  it  is  necessary  to  record  all 
items  of  income  and  expense,  not  simply  the 
cash  received  and  disbursed.     If  this  is  to  be  ac- 


BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION  79 

complished,  the  following  books  will  be  necessary: 

Cash  Receipts 

Cash  Pciyments 

Voucher  Register — (for  the  recording  of  all  bills 
when  contracted) 

Journal 

Ledger 
Bookkeeping  conducted  on  the  basis  of  cash  re- 
ceived and  disbursed  will  not  show  a  complete  state- 
ment of  income  and  expense,  because  all  cash  re- 
ceipts are  not  necessarily  items  of  income  and  all 
cash  payments  are  not  necessarily  items  of  expense. 
Even  though  they  were  items  of  income  and  ex- 
pense they  might  relate  to  a  period  previous  or  sub- 
sequent to  that  in  which  they  were  recorded,  there- 
fore such  a  statement  would  not  be  an  actual 
statement  of  income  and  expense  for  the  month. 
Because  of  these  conditions  it  is  necessary  to  have 
other  books  than  those  recording  cash  receipts  and 
payments. 

(2)  To  make  possible  statements  of  financial 
standing.  With  a  system  of  bookkeeping  based 
only  on  cash  receipts  and  payments  it  is  impossible 
to  show  inventories,  accrued  accounts  receivable, 
prepaid  expenses,  accounts  payable,  unredeemed 
coupons,  notes  payable  at  the  bank,  etc.,  all  of  which 
enter  into  a  statement  of  financial  standing.  There- 
fore, to  make  possible  a  true  and  complete  financial 
statement,  we  must  have  books  that  will  accommo- 


8o  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

date  these  accounts  and  show  their  monthly  fluctua- 
tions. 

(3)  To  offer  accountability  of  moneys  handled. 
Care  should  be  taken  in  recording  cash  receipts  and 
payments  to  indicate  fully  the  transaction  to  which 
they  relate,  to  the  end  that  a  satisfactory  account- 
ability may  be  rendered. 

4.  Banking 

Without  exception  all  money  received  from  what- 
ever source  should  be  promptly  deposited  in  the  bank 
to  the  credit  of  the  Association  in  the  name  of  its 
treasurer.  All  accounts  of  the  Association  should 
be  promptly  settled  by  voucher  check  signed  by  the 
treasurer  after  the  proper  approval  certifying  that 
the  expenditure  is  within  the  budget  appropriation. 
To  facilitate  the  payment  of  small  incidental  ex- 
penses, for  which  it  would  not  be  convenient  to  draw 
a  voucher  check  in  the  usual  way,  the  treasurer  is 
authorized  to  advance  to  the  secretary  a  petty  cash 
fund  out  of  which  these  incidental  charges  can  be 
paid.  A  careful  record  of  such  expenditures  should 
be  kept,  and  on  presentation  to  the  treasurer  of  a 
statement,  substantiated  by  proper  evidence  of  pay- 
ment, the  sum  so  expended  will  be  restored. 

5.  Auditing 

In  addition  to  the  Auditing  Committee  of  the 


BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION  8i 

Board  of  Management  there  should  be  a  regular 
audit  of  the  Association's  accounts  at  least  once  each 
year,  and  by  an  expert  accountant,  at  the  expense 
of  the  Association.  A  similar  audit  should  be  made 
whenever  there  is  a  change  in  the  secretaryship. 

6.  Bonding 

As  a  safeguard  to  the  Association  as  well  as  an 
evidence  of  businesslike  methods  a  surety  bond 
should  be  required  from  the  secretary  and  treasurer 
and  all  employees  handling  cash,  the  expense  of 
which  should  be  borne  by  the  Association. 

7.  Deduction  Orders 

Some  railroad  companies  grant  the  use  of  deduc- 
tion orders,  for  which  coupon  books  are  sold  and 
membership  tickets  are  issued.  This  practice  in 
many  instances  works  to  the  disadvantage  both  of 
the  men  and  the  Association.  It  encourages  the 
men  to  live  on  credit  and  to  live  extravagantly. 
They  are  much  more  prodigal  in  the  use  of  coupons 
than  they  would  be  if  they  were  paying  cash.  The 
Association  is  liable  to  loss  on  collections,  as  many 
times  it  is  impossible  to  know  whether  the  man  who 
signs  the  order  has  sufficient  time  to  his  credit  to 
cover  the  deduction.  Where  coupons  are  used  it 
would  be  better  to  honor  them  only  for  membership, 
meals,  and  beds. 


82  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

III.     Membership  Tickets 

Experience  has  proved  the  necessity  of  giving  as 
accurate  an  account  of  the  issuance  of  membership 
tickets  as  of  the  handling  of  cash.  Too  firm  a  stand 
cannot  be  taken  for  the  strict  enforcement  of  a  pol- 
icy that  will  insure  such  accountability. 

A  properly  kept  membership  record  and  one  that 
may  be  accurately  checked,  should  furnish  the  fol- 
lowing information:  Name,  position,  division  or 
department,  cash  or  pay  order  deduction,  date  when 
fee  is  due  and  when  paid,  number  of  annual  card 
issued.  If  refund  is  made  for  any  part  of  fee  paid, 
date,  check  or  petty  cash  receipt  number  and  amount 
of  refund  should  be  given. 

It  is  very  important  that  membership  tickets  be 
numbered  consecutively,  signed  by  the  Chairman  of 
the  Board  of  Management  and  issued  by  the  Treas- 
urer in  lots  of  not  more  than  twenty-five  at  a  time 
and  never  countersigned  by  the  secretary  until  ticket 
is  given  to  the  member.  The  annual  ticket  should 
never  be  issued  until  the  full  amount  of  the  fee  has 
been  paid. 

IV.     The  Secretary's  Responsibility 

Shirk  it  as  he  may,  refuse  it  if  he  will,  in  the  final 
analysis,  as  the  paid  executive  officer  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, the  responsibility  for  the  proper  business 
management  rests  primarily  with  the  secretary.     Di- 


BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATION  83 

rectors  are  men  engaged  in  other  callings,  and  the 
time  and  attention  which  they  give  to  the  Associa- 
tion are  in  the  nature  of  volunteer  service.  It  is 
probable  that  more  criticism  has  been  aroused  in 
Board  meetings  because  of  incomplete  financial  re- 
ports than  by  any  other  one  cause.  It  is  absolutely 
essential  that  at  the  regular  Board  meeting  a  true 
financial  statement  should  be  presented.  One  item 
that  should  be  available  at  every  Board  meeting  is 
a  complete  list  of  all  outstanding  bills,  and  the  cor- 
rectness of  this  list  should  be  vouched  for  by  the 
secretary.  Inability  to  exhibit  these  facts  in  a  sim- 
ple, orderly,  and  convincing  fashion  has  cost  more 
than  one  man  his  position.  Simplicity  and  accuracy 
should  characterize  the  business  administration  of 
every  organization  bearing  the  name  Christian,  and 
this  condition  will  only  obtain  where  the  secretary 
appreciates  his  responsibility,  not  only  as  religious 
leader,  but  as  a  business  administrator. 

V.     The  Secretary's  Personal  Financial 
Integrity 

The  secretary's  personal  integrity  is  his  most  valu- 
able business  asset  —  looseness  here  will  bring  dis- 
credit and  dishonor  to  the  Association.  The  influ- 
ence of  a  professed  follower  of  Christ  in  any  com- 
munity is  determined  even  more  by  his  unimpeach- 
able honesty,  his  living  within  his  income,  and  his 
promptness  in  paying  his  household  and  other  bills, 


84  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

than  it  is  by  his  church  membership,  or  his  pubHc 
profession.  Unless  the  former  are  present  the  lat- 
ter become  a  reproach.  Whatever  his  salary  may 
be,  his  living  expenses  must  be  within  this  amount. 
That  he  may  meet  his  obligations  requires  that  he 
should  receive  his  salary  when  due.  This  should  be 
done  even  if  the  Association  must  borrow  money 
temporarily  to  meet  salary  payments. 


VI 

MEMBERSHIP 


CHAPTER  VI 
MEMBERSHIP 

I.     Purpose 

The  membership  of  a  Railroad  Association 
should  properly  be  a  great  partnership  and  should  be 
regarded  as  such.  If  it  really  is  so,  every  member 
will  be  on  the  Membership  Committee,  every  mem- 
ber will  be  out  asking  others  to  come  into  the  part- 
nership. To  be  sure  what  is  everybody's  business 
is  nobody's  business;  nowhere  in  our  modern  life 
in  America  do  we  trust  to  haphazard  methods  to  se- 
cure sound  results ;  but  it  is  well  to  begin  at  this  end 
of  the  matter. 

The  body  of  the  membership  should  always  be 
viewed  not  as  a  field  to  work  in,  but  as  a  tool  to 
work  with.  Every  member,  even  the  man  who  is 
not  a  Christian,  should  be  made  to  feel  that  his 
membership  means  an  opportunity  for  service  and 
not  primarily  the  opening  up  of  privileges.  He  may 
not  be  able  to  do  a  great  deal  for  the  Association 
at  the  beginning,  but  at  least  he  might  try,  during 
the  first  three  months  of  his  membership,  to  bring 
in  one  new  member. 

87 


88  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

Many  organizations*  nowadays  take  in  members 
simply  by  the  payment  of  a  fee  without  any  process 
of  instruction,  initiation,  or  recognition.  Thus,  the 
new  member  has  really  no  part  in  the  organization 
nor  any  idea  of  its  aims  and  significance.  The  As- 
sociation should  do  otherwise.  Personally  and  by 
means  of  printed  matter,  the  new  member  should  be 
thoroughly  instructed  in  the  terms  of  his  partnership 
and  made  to  feel  that,  as  each  member  does  his  part, 
the  Association  will  succeed. 

In  the  whole  question  of  membership,  the  impor- 
tant thing  is  to  make  the  membership  actually  a  part- 
nership and  to  make  each  member  understand  that  he 
is  a  partner. 

II.    Organization 

If  the  general  situation  is  as  previously  outlined 
then  the  appointment  of  a  Committee  on  Member- 
ship will  not  result  in  taking  the  burden  of  promot- 
ing the  Association  off  the  individual  member. 
That  burden  will  be  lightly  and  gladly  borne  by  the 
man  who  feels  he  is  a  partner.  But  if  this  spirit 
does  not  exist,  the  entrusting  of  the  task  of  enlisting 
new  members  to  a  small  committee  will  surely  end 
in  the  members  caring  very  little  about  such  work. 

Under  the  proper  conditions  the  Committee  of 
Membership  becomes  simply  the  organizing  and  di- 
recting force  of  a  whole  body  of  eager  workers. 
The  Committee  is  needed  to  prevent  missing  whole 


MEMBERSHIP  89 

groups  of  probable  members  in  some  cases  and  the 
overlapping  of  effort  in  others,  and  to  keep  the 
worker  ever  on  the  alert. 

The  Committee  should  have  a  Chairman  charac- 
terized by  patience  and  energy,  and  the  Committee 
should  have  upon  it  a  sub-chairman  from  every  de- 
partment of  railroad  service  or  affiliated  service  com- 
ing within  the  field.  This  Committee  should  survey 
carefully  this  whole  field  and  make  sure  that  every 
point  is  covered. 

Each  sub-chairman  in  charge  of  a  department 
should  then  gather  around  him  workers  who  can 
really  accomplish  things  in  influencing  their  fellows. 
These  have  the  two-fold  purpose  of  fostering  the 
spirit  of  brotherhood  and  partnership  among  the 
members  and  of  keeping  always  alive  the  desire  to 
reach  out  for  others.  Properly  these  men  can  help 
train  the  members  in  approaching  others,  indicating 
the  general  method  of  presenting  the  work  and 
pointing  out  clearly  the  value  of  a  high  and  uncom- 
promising proposition. 

The  Association  should  provide  for  this  service 
the  proper  membership  application  blanks  and  the 
proper  forms  for  recording  the  receipt  of  money. 
The  Secretary  of  the  Association  generally  takes 
charge  of  membership  books  and  all  such  records. 

Beyond  the  service  of  securing  new  members,  ex- 
perience shows  that  permanent  membership  growth 
depends  largely  upon  the  immediate  relation  of  a 


90  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

member  to  some  active  work  within  the  Association. 
A  sense  of  cooperation  in  effort  is  the  soundest  basis 
for  real  partnership. 

If  an  Association  is  in  first-class  working  condi- 
tion—  the  building  clean  and  attractive,  the  spirit 
brotherly  and  homelike,  and  the  whole  atmosphere 
dignified  and  stimulating  —  experience  shows  that  a 
steady-working  committee,  using  direct  and  indirect 
efforts,  can  accomplish  better  results  than  are  ob- 
tained in  a  "  quick  canvass "  for  new  members. 
There  are  times  when  critical  conditions  make  the 
"  quick  canvass "  desirable,  but  generally  future 
work  is  made  very  difficult  by  the  use  of  such  a 
method. 

All  organizations  for  enlisting  new  members  will, 
of  course,  fail  of  real  success  if  members  cannot  be 
led  to  feel  their  identification  with  a  great  brother- 
hood, now  world-wide,  having  at  its  heart  the  spirit 
of  true  friendship. 


VII 
REUGIOUS  WORK 


CHAPTER  VII 
RELIGIOUS  WORK 

I.     Object 

The  Christian  motive  runs  through  all  the  work  of 
the  Railroad  Branch  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association.  It  is  just  this  that  differentiates  it 
from  those  organizations  commonly  known  as  Rail- 
road Clubs.  Every  part  of  the  work  of  the  Asso- 
ciation is  Christian,  *' religious"  in  the  best  sense; 
every  piece  of  service,  be  it  ever  so  simple,  is  done 
in  the  name  of  Christ :  but  the  full  measure  of  the 
Association's  purpose  would  not  be  fulfilled  if  it 
failed  to  carry  on  a  direct  and  vigorous  and  intelli- 
gent Christian  propaganda.  This  is  the  crown  of 
the  Association's  effort,  this  is  the  realization  of  its 
religious  aim. 

Put  briefly,  such  work  should  have  for  its  two- 
fold aim:  (i)  To  bring  men  into  a  saving  rela- 
tionship to  God  through  Christ;  (2)  To  develop 
Christian  character  and  Christian  service.  Every- 
thing that  is  done  can  be  made  to  further  this  aim. 

93 


94  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

II.     Plan  and  Organization 

The  only  safe  policy  to  follow  in  any  work  of 
importance  is  to  plan  every  detail  carefully  well  in 
advance.  The  program  of  religious  work  in  a 
Railroad  Association  should  be  worthy  of  the  wide 
mission  of  the  organization  and  include  every  form 
of  useful  efifort  that  can  be  successfully  carried  out 
in  its  field.  This  program  should  be  put  in  writ- 
ing, so  that  the  progress  of  the  work  may  be 
checked  up  from  time  to  time.  Also,  it  should  be 
drafted  in  the  summer,  preferably  during  July  or 
August,  and  should  be  ready  to  be  put  into  opera- 
tion not  later  than  the  first  of  September. 

A  very  simple  organization  may  be  found  quite 
adequate  to  the  needs  of  the  work,  but  it  must  not 
be  neglected.  At  many  points  it  may  be  very  dif- 
ficult to  get  together  a  Religious  Work  Committee; 
but,  even  if  only  three  or  four  men  fit  to  serve  can 
be  found,  such  a  committee  should  be  formed. 
Only  thus  can  a  beginning  be  made  of  enlisting  the 
membership  in  the  most  serious  business  of  the  As- 
sociation. This  Committee  should  cooperate  with 
the  secretary  in  planning  and  executing  the  pro- 
gram of  religious  work. 

One  simple  arrangement  has  been  found  useful 
in  many  Railroad  Associations.  It  involves  a  Com- 
mittee divided  into  four  sub-committees,  each  hav- 
ing a  sub-chairman  in  charge. 


RELIGIOUS  WORK 


95 


Suggested  Organization  for  Religious 
Work 

I.    Suh   Committee  on  Features   Within   the 
Building, 

1.  Meetings. 

2.  Lobby  Talks. 

3.  Bible  Study. 
II.    Suh  Committee  on  Features  Outside  the 

General  Building. 

Chairman  i.  Shop  meetings  and  classes. 

FOR  2.  Neighborhood  and  Home  Bible  Study. 

Religious      ]      3.  Bible  Study  by  correspondence. 
Work  4.  Special  meetings  in  churches. 

5.  Extension. 
IIL    Suh    Committee    on    Individual    Christian 
Service. 

1.  Personal   evangelism. 

2.  Care  and  visitation  of  sick  and  injured. 
IV.    Suh  Committee  on  Work  for  Men  in  Home 

and  Foreign  Lands, 


Some  Railroad  Associations  are  employing  spe- 
cial religious  work  secretaries  who  give  the  whole 
or  a  part  of  their  time  to  the  promotion  of  religious 
work.  Wherever  possible,  this  plan  is  strongly  to 
be  commended.  Of  course,  such  a  secretary  is  not 
employed  to  do  all  the  religious  work;  he  is  an  or- 
ganizer of  the  forces,  freed  from  other  responsibili- 
ties so  that  he  may  devote  special  study  to  the 
specifically  religious  problem  and  may  thus  help  to 
promote  plans  that  will  include  all  the  staff  and  all 
the  membership.     The  results  of  such  an  arrange- 


96  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ment  justify  absolutely  the  wisdom  of  setting  aside 
a  man  for  this  work. 

The  Association  should  be  prepared  to  spend 
money  freely  on  the  prosecution  of  religious  work. 
Strangely  enough,  some  Associations  that  will  pay 
ten  dollars  for  a  prestidigitator  will  balk  at  spend- 
ing the  same  amount  to  secure  a  speaker  for  a  re- 
ligious meeting.  The  title  '*  Christian  ''  is  written 
over  the  door  of  the  Association,  to  promote  the 
spread  of  our  faith  is  the  Association's  chief  func- 
tion. What  possible  excuse  can  there  be  for  a  mean 
policy  in  this  department?  There  are  many  legiti- 
mate expenses  connected  with  this  work  and  a  thor- 
oughly adequate  provision  should  certainly  be  in- 
cluded in  the  regular  budget. 

III.     Standards 

The  railroad  man's  habits  of  work  are  by  their 
very  nature  irregular.  The  Association  is  called  to 
meet  the  railroad  man  at  and  in  connection  with  his 
work.  All  plans  must  therefore  be  based  upon  the 
principle  of  extreme  flexibility.  Take  the  man 
where  he  is  when  it  is  convenient  for  him.  Meet- 
ings should  fit  the  needs  of  time  and  place,  Bible 
study  should  be  so  arranged  that  little  groups  may 
meet  as  occasion  offers;  everything  should  be  made 
as  easy  as  possible  for  the  men  in  whose  interest  the 
whole  of  this  enterprise  is  being  carried  on.     It  is 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  97 

only  fair  to  say  that  the  employed  officers  should  be 
ready  at  any  time  to  make  way  for  a  great  religious 
opportunity. 

Some  attempt  has  been  made  to  standardize  the 
religious  work  of  the  Railroad  Association.  The 
following  is  a  suggestion : 

1.  At  least  two  meetings  a  week  of  an  evangel- 
istic character,  either  within  or  outside  the  building. 

2.  At  least  one  Bible  group  meeting  a  week  for 
every  one  hundred  members  enrolled. 

3.  At  least  one  interview  each  day  with  a  mem- 
ber who  is  not  a  Christian,  the  object  of  the  inter- 
view being  to  lead  him  to  a  definite  decision. 

4.  A  missionary  fund,  however  small,  for  the 
work  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  in 
foreign  lands. 

It  is  more  than  probable  that  this  method  of 
standardization  will  be  improved  upon  and  greatly 
extended  within  the  next  few  years.  In  the  mean- 
time. Railroad  Association  secretaries  may  test 
their  Association  quite  accurately  by  putting  this 
standard  upon  their  religious  work  and  ascertaining 
whether  they  are  above  or  below  standard. 

IV.     Bible  Study 

The  Bible  is  the  storehouse  of  Christian  knowl- 
edge and  the  creative  center  of  Christian  power. 
The  recognized  principle  that  no  organized  Associa- 
tion can  fulfil  its  mission  unless  it  maintains  at 


98  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

least  one  weekly  Bible  group,  is  believed  in  today 
more  firmly  than  ever  before.  There  is  no  more 
certain  method  of  making  a  lasting  impression  upon 
men  than  by  assembling  them  as  regularly  as  pos- 
sible for  the  study  of  the  Scriptures.  The  Bible 
group  in  all  branches  of  the  Association  has  been  a 
prime  agent  in  winning  men  to  the  Christian  life; 
and  men  so  won  generally  prove  staunch  and  per- 
severing Christians,  for  they  have  taken  the  step  in 
knowledge  and  understanding  and  have  taken  into 
their  lives  a  safe-guard  against  the  difficulties  and 
temptations  of  the  future. 

Wherever  there  is  any  considerable  body  of  resi- 
dent men,  the  organization  of  a  Biby  Study  Depart- 
ment—  working  under  the  Religious  ,Work  Com- 
mittee—  should  be  attempted.  A  few  successful 
methods  are  noted  here: 

I.  The  Bible  Study  Club 

This  method  has  been  worked  out  with  wonder- 
ful success  in  many  Railroad  Associations.  The 
men  meet  for  supper  and  a  time  of  social  fellow- 
ship, then  they  go  at  once  into  one  or  more  Bible 
groups.  Where  there  is  a  regular  attendance  of 
twenty  to  twenty-five  men,  there  should  be  at  least 
two  groups.  The  informal  discussion  or  conversa- 
tional method  is  the  most  successful  among  railroad 
men. 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  99 

2.  Every-day-in-the-year  Club 

The  idea  of  this  form  of  Bible  study  was  orig- 
inated by  Dr.  Bull  in  the  columns  of  Association 
Men.  It  has  been  remarkably  successful  among 
railroad  men,  and  is  capable  of  large  adaptation  and 
expansion.  Every  Association  should  make  a  vig- 
orous effort  to  organize  and  maintain  a  club  of  this 
character. 

3.  Bible  Study  by  Correspondence 

This  method  has  proved  itself  completely.  Re- 
markable results  have  attended  this  form  of  Bible 
study  where  men  at  isolated  points  have  been 
reached  for  the  Christian  life  solely  by  this  agency. 
The  work  should  be  carefully  supervised  by  one  of 
the  qualified  employed  officers  of  the  Association. 
It  will  not  succeed  without  careful  and  constant  pro- 
motion. The  man  in  charge  should  be  prompt  in 
sending  out  lessons  and  answering  letters.  He  will 
be  called  upon  for  personal  advice  frequently  and 
should  be  able  to  give  it  with  authority.  A  careful 
enrollment  should  be  kept  of  all  students  in  good 
standing,  and  the  number  of  lessons  returned  per 
week  may  be  counted  as  average  attendance.  Dis- 
tance is  no  barrier  in  the  prosecution  of  this  work, 
provided  the  supervising  officer  does  his  work 
methodically. 


100  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

V.     Meetings 

Meetings  are  valuable  in  two  directions:  they 
promote  a  social  spirit,  and  they  enable  a  number 
of  men  to  be  reached  at  once  with  the  Gospel  mes- 
sage. They  should  be  arranged  so  as  to  reach  the 
largest  number  possible.  This  should  determine  the 
time  and  place  of  such  meetings.  Frequently  it 
will  be  found  that  a  meeting  outside  the  Associa- 
tion building  will  reach  a  larger  crowd  than  one 
within  its  walls ;  in  such  a  case,  the  secretary  should 
not  hesitate  to  make  use  of  the  larger  opportunity. 
Meet  the  men  where  they  are. 

It  is,  however,  a  wise  principle  to  hold  regular 
meetings  in  the  Association  building.  Even  if 
these  meetings  are  small  they  help  to  maintain  the 
Association  in  its  place  as  a  distinctively  religious 
organization.  The  atmosphere  of  the  building  is 
toned  up  by  the  singing  of  hymns  and  the  forceful 
presentation  of  the  Christian  message  within  the 
reach  of  every  frequenter  of  the  place. 

The  Committee  on  Religious  Work  should  study 
the  situation  with  special  reference  to  seizing  every 
opportunity,  within  and  outside  of  the  building,  to 
touch  men  with  the  life-giving  message  of  Christ. 

One  caution  is  to  be  observed.  A  religious  meet- 
ing should  be  definitely  religious.  Nothing  is 
gained  by  thinning-out  the  message.  The  speaker 
who  wins  men  is  the  speaker  who  has  Christian  con- 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  '  loi 

victions  and  who  speaks  them  but  in  a  straightfor- 
ward manner.  There  is  compromise  enough  in  the 
life  of  every  Christian,  since  we  all  are  human;  let 
our  witness  to  truth  be  clear  and  unmistakable. 

Certain  special  types  of  meetings  have  yielded  ex- 
cellent results. 

1.  Meetings  for  Prayer 

Sometimes  it  is  possible  to  arrange  for  a  suc- 
cessful weekly  meeting  for  prayer  in  the  Rail- 
road Association.  Even  a  small  meeting  may  help 
greatly  in  developing  the  spirit  of  intercession  and 
thus  training  men  in  the  most  important  type  of 
Christian  service.  It  is  hard  to  see  how  a  successful 
work  can  be  built  up  unless  there  is  real  prayer  — 
each  man  meeting  God  simply  and  in  his  own  par- 
ticular way. 

A  well-planned  observance  of  the  week  of  prayer 
has  often  resulted  in  a  great  stimulation  of  interest 
in  prayer. 

2.  Informal  "  Social  Sings  " 

There  is  nothing  men  like  better  than  to  gather 
around  the  piano  to  sing  old  familiar  hymns.  Such 
a  little  gathering  can  often  meet  successfully  on  a 
week  night  and  may  be  followed  by  a  short  talk.  It 
is  sociable,  familiar,  and  often  makes  it  possible  to 
strike  closer  home  with  a  personal  message  than 
is  ever  possible  in  the  larger  and  more  formal  meet- 


102  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ings  where  there  always  is  a  certain  restraint  in  spite 
of  every  care. 

3.  Lobby  Talks 

In  the  social  rooms,  either  at  noon  or  during  an 
evening  hour,  when  the  men  are  gathered  about,  it  is 
often  possible  to  introduce  effectively  a  short  "  lobby 
talk."  The  plan  in  such  a  case  is  to  omit  singing, 
Scripture  reading,  and  prayer,  and  have  the  exercise 
take  the  form  of  a  short  address,  not  over  fifteen 
minutes  long,  on  some  aspect  of  character  building. 
When  the  occasion  is  thus  informal  and  social,  it  is 
often  possible  to  drive  home  strongly  pertinent  sug- 
gestions regarding  the  problems  men  face  every  day. 

4.  Special  Meetings 

When  the  proper  leader  can  be  secured,  and  a 
proper  basis  laid  in  personal  work,  a  series  of  evan- 
gelistic meetings  held  daily  or  several  times  a  day 
for  a  short  period  will  undoubtedly  produce  real  re- 
sults in  the  lives  of  the  members  and  in  the  com- 
munity. Easter  week  is  a  good  time  in  which  to 
hold  such  a  series.  A  special  effort  at  such  a  time 
helps  to  gather  in  the  results  that  should  follow  a 
year  of  persistent  effort.  Such  a  series  may  be  held 
in  the  Association  building,  and  it  has  frequently 
been  found  advantageous  to  include  both  the  men 
and  their  families  in  the  invitation  to  attend.  One 
awakened  member  in  a  family  frequently  leads  sev- 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  103 

era!  of  the  others  to  decide  for  the  Christian  Hfe  at 
such  a  time. 

It  is  needless  to  add  that  such  an  effort  should 
be  begun  and  sustained  in  prayer.  Neither  the 
speaker  nor  the  workers  can  of  themselves  save  any 
man ;  it  is  God  who  must  work  these  miracles  in  the 
human  soul.  Therefore,  it  is  imperative  that  the 
staff  and  Christian  members  should  endeavor  as 
best  they  can  to  create  the  conditions  of  obedience 
and  waiting  upon  God  under  which,  as  experience 
shows.  He  can  best  work  through  men  for  His 
high  purpose. 

VI.     Personal  Service  and  Evangelism 

After  all,  comparatively  few  men  are  able  to 
preach  the  Gospel  to  large  audiences  with  compel- 
ling power,  but  every  Christian  can  do  a  kindly  act 
or  say  a  friendly  word  in  the  interests  of  the  man 
next  to  him;  and,  indeed,  the  preacher's  power  is 
often  the  result  of  faithful  and  quiet  men  who  go 
about  dealing  hand  to  hand.  Through  the  power  of 
personal  friendship  almost  any  result  can  be 
achieved  in  the  lives  of  men.  Beecher  once  said : 
''  The  longer  I  live,  the  more  confidence  I  have  in 
those  sermons  where  one  man  is  the  minister  and 
one  man  is  the  congregation;  where  there  is  no 
question  as  to  who  is  meant  when  the  preacher  says, 
*  Thou  art  the  man.'  " 

Personal  service  is  the  kind  of  service  that  really 


104  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

counts,  and  personal  evangelism  is  the  final  ex- 
pression of  service  to  our  fellowman.  It  is  not  a 
forced  method  of  work;  it  is  nothing  unnatural;  it 
is  offering  to  the  man  we  would  help  the  best  we 
have.  So  it  is  that  we  should  approach  a  fellow- 
man  simply  and  naturally  and  win  our  way  into  his 
real  self,  taking  care  that  we  do  not  break  into  the 
sanctity  of  his  soul  before  we  have  invited  and  won 
his  respect  and  affection.  Beginning  with  the  Sec- 
retary at  the  head  of  the  Railroad  Association  down 
through  to  the  last  member,  there  should  be  culti- 
vated the  desire  to  be  constantly  reaching  out  to- 
ward men  who  are  not  Christians  in  the  endeavor  to 
offer  them  that  Gospel  which  has  really  seized  hold 
on  the  heart  and  life  of  each  one. 

At  this  point  above  all  the  secretary  must  lead. 
He  must  be  able  to  reach  men  himself,  and  he  must 
be  ever  alert  to  see  that  no  man  in  any  department 
of  his  Association  —  physical,  social,  educational,  or 
what  not  —  shall  be  passed  over.  Out  of  the  mem- 
bership he  can  surely  draw  men  in  addition  to  his 
staff  who  can  be  trusted  to  help  so  that  no  man  who 
is  not  a  Christian  will  pass  through  the  year  with- 
out having  the  great  opportunity  offered. 

I.  The  Training  Group  for  Personal  Workers 

Every  secretary  will  probably  find  it  best  to  or- 
ganize a  special  group  for  training  in  personal  evan- 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  105 

gelism  under  the  leadership  of  one  who  can  furnish 
competent  instruction  and  inspiring  example.  The 
Yoke  Fellows  Band  is  probably  the  best  known 
form  of  such  an  organization;  the  members  to 
engage  regularly  in  conversations  with  men,  and 
report  their  experiences  at  a:  weekly  meeting.  Such 
a  group  will  find  it  profitable  to  study  such  books 
as  Stone's  *'  Recruiting  for  Christ/'  Jowett's  "  Pas- 
sion for  Souls/'  Trumbull's  "  Individual  Work  for 
Individuals."  The  members  of  the  Band  should  be 
kept  diligently  at  their  task  and  those  unwilling  to 
fulfil  their  covenant  should  be  dropped. 

Those  who  engage  in  this  work  should  be  made  to 
feel  that  it  is  a  work  of  pure  Christian  friendship, 
that  it  must  be  carried  on  in  a  spirit  of  true  courtesy 
and  consideration  for  the  sacredness  of  the  lives  of 
men.  At  the  same  time  it  is  necessary  that  they 
understand  that  this  is  not  a  question  of  theory  but 
a  very  practical  matter.  Tact  is  desirable,  but  con- 
tact is  imperative.  They  must  be  up  and  at  their 
job.  When  a  man  has  taken  all  the  precautions  he 
knows  how  to  take,  he  must  go  ahead  in  earnest  and 
risk  the  chance  of  making  some  mistakes.  This 
work  is  a  habit  to  be  cultivated.  If  not  worked,  it 
falls  into  disuse. 

2.  First  Steps  in  Personal  Evarugelism 

This  work  is  not  easy.     Experience,    however, 


io6  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

suggests  many  ways  in  which  the  purpose  of  Chris- 
tian friendship  can  be  fulfilled  and  the  way  opened 
to  deeper  things.     Here  are  a  few : 

(i)  Every  man  may  join  in  the  service  of  the 
Association  by  inviting  others  into  the  membership 
or  asking  them  to  attend  meetings.  Both  these  ap- 
proaches often  lead  to  a  deeper  friendship  and  an 
opportunity  to  raise  easily  and  naturally  the  ques- 
tion of  allegiance  to  Christ. 

(2)  A  simple  gift  of  a  wholesome  Christian  hook 
or  pamphlet  has  before  now  made  it  much  easier  to 
talk  —  discussing  the  considerations  dealt  with  by 
the  author. 

(3)  The  practice  of  writing  to  a  friend  a  heart- 
to-heart  letter  has  helped  some  workers  who  are 
backward  in  conversation.  Remarkable  results 
have  followed  such  correspondence.  Here  is  a 
wide  field  for  personal  evangelism  capable  of  in- 
finite extension. 

3.  The  Regular  Interview 

Unless  the  secretary  has  a  definite  plan  for  the 
interviewing  of  members  who  are  not  Christians, 
the  work  is  likely  to  go  by  the  board.  He  should 
have  enough  regular  interviews  to  cover  the  field. 
A  permanent  memorandum,  always  before  his  eye, 
will  serve  to  keep  him  keyed  up  to  his  duty,  the  ap- 
pointments being  entered  at  once  upon  a  daily  cal- 
endar.    Experience  shows  that  this  work  does  not 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  107 

suffer  by  being  carried  on  in  a  business-like  manner. 

Often  these  interviews  may  be  accomplished  best 
in  a  system  of  house-to-house  visitation.  This  is 
among  the  most  successful  plans  yet  evolved  for  pre- 
senting the  claims  of  Christian  life  and  service.  It 
is  preferable  that  two  men  go  together  and  the 
evening  is  the  logical  time.  The  basis  of  contact, 
here  as  elsewhere,  must  be  that  of  friendship,  and 
there  must  be  no  air  of  superior  goodness  on  the 
part  of  the  visitors.  The  issues  should  be  stated 
frankly,  difficulties  met  by  constructive  suggestion, 
and  the  necessity  for  decision  courteously  pressed. 
Remarkable  results  have  attended  work  of  this  char- 
acter. 

Accurate  records  should  be  kept  of  all  men  who 
are  interviewed  with  relation  to  the  Christian  life. 
This  record  should  be  kept  strictly  up  to  date  and 
the  various  men  should  be  followed  till  they  have 
become  identified  with  some  church. 

4.  Difficulties 

(i)  Most  of  the  difficulties  encountered  are  in 
the  personal  character  and  life  of  the  man  who  is  not 
a  Christian.  The  personal  worker  has  to  oppose  to 
such  difficulties  the  attractiveness  of  his  own  life, 
and  the  reality  of  his  spirit  of  service  and  Christian 
experience.  His  one  reliance  is  in  frankness  and 
sincerity,  reporting  only  his  real  experience  with 
Christ  and  the  possibilities  of  a  life  with  Him.     It 


io8  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

cannot  be  too  often  repeated  that  true  friendship 
wins  the  day.  "  Jesus  sought  to  make  His  disciples 
specialize  in  friendship."  The  gymnasium,  the 
social  room  and  the  evening  classes  are  all  wonder- 
ful opportunities  for  the  forming  of  such  relations. 
Every  human  friendship  that  is  true  and  unselfish  is 
a  picture  of  the  Divine. 

(2)  In  spite  of  all  the  men  who,  as  Dr.  Stone 
has  put  it,  are  making  their  poor  minds  bear  the 
responsibility  of  their  indulgent  bodies,  there  are 
many  honest  doubters  to  be  met  with  in  the  day's 
work.  The  mistake  is  generally  made  of  trying  to 
settle  all  a  man's  doubts  at  once  with  a  set  of  logical 
answers.  Such  men  ought  to  be  encouraged  to 
begin  with  what  they  have  and  act  upon  it  at  once. 
Real  doubts  must  be  worked  through.  Christian 
experience  develops  out  ajid  up  and  the  doubts 
slough  off.  Where  a  man  has  grasped,  however 
inadequately,  the  great  fundamental  of  Christian 
belief  and  life,  and  is  endeavoring,  however  imper- 
fectly, to  fashion  his  conduct  according  to  the 
teaching  and  example  of  Christ,  he  should  be  en- 
couraged to  declare  himself.  With  his  face  toward 
the  light,  he  will  have  no  difficulty  in  adding  to  his 
belief  as  he  goes  on.  Encourage  the  sound  habit  of 
putting  truth  to  the  test  of  life. 

For  the  man  who  is  merely  making  his  doubts 
his  excuse,  frankness,  however  gentle,  is  necessary. 
Great  good  will  often  be  accomplished  by  showing 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  109 

him  the  folly  of  self-deception  and  the  futility  of 
trying  to  deceive  others. 

5.  Personal  Service  in  Times  of  Difficulty  and  Sick- 
ness 

Those  who  are  sick  or  injured  or  in  any  other 
trouble  should  certainly  appeal  to  the  Christian 
spirit  of  service.  A  small  group  of  the  most  alert 
and  tactful  Christian  men  in  the  Association  should 
be  appointed  to  the  important  work  of  bringing 
cheer  and  encouragement  to  railroad  men  who  may 
be  sick  or  injured.  By  keeping  in  touch  with  rail- 
road offices,  hospital  authorities,  company  physi- 
cians, and  the  homes  of  railroad  men,  information 
may  be  quickly  secured.  It  should  be  generally 
known  throughout  the  community  that  care  and  visi- 
tation of  the  sick  and  injured  is  a  part  of  the  Asso- 
ciation's work.  It  is  understood,  of  course,  that 
this  unselfish  form  of  individual  service  is  not  lim- 
ited to  the  membership. 

Such  unselfish  service  freely  rendered  makes  it 
all  the  easier  to  present  the  Christian  message  when 
the  time  comes.  It  shows  forth  a  kind  of  Chris- 
tianity that  appeals  to  every  kind  of  man  and 
woman  in  the  community. 

VII.     Meetings  Outside  the  Building 
I.  The  Field 
Every  place  where  a  considerable  number  of  the 


no  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

men  are  congregated,  and  where  leisure  is  afforded 
for  thirty  minutes  at  some  hour  of  the  day  or  night, 
may  be  considered  a  promising  field  for  religious 
effort.  Shops,  yards,  freight  houses,  and  the  like, 
are  challenges  and  opportunities. 

2.  Getting  In 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  every  such 
effort  should  be  sanctioned  by  those  in  authority  be- 
fore anything  is  done,  and  permission  and  co- 
operation should  be  sought.  At  every  point  in  the 
work,  the  counsel  of  those  in  charge  should  be 
sought. 

Two  general  lines  of  service  have  been  success- 
ful: 

(i)  The  Meeting.  This  usually  consists  of 
music,  prayer,  and  a  brief  evangelistic  address.  A 
committee  of  the  workers  employed  can  accomplish 
wonders  if  really  behind  the  effort. 

(2)  The  Bible  Group.  A  weekly  Bible  group 
handled  by  a  skilled  leader  can  be  established  in 
many  an  unpromising  place.  Such  groups  should 
follow  a  definite  line  of  study,  deal  with  central 
Christian  facts,  and  be  carried  out  with  business-like 
promptness  and  decision.  The  leader  must  be  a 
leader  rather  than  a  teacher,  a  friend  of  the  men 
without  a  trace  of  the  air  of  patronizing. 

3.  The  Home  and  Neighborhood  Bible  Groups 
For  some  railroad  communities,  it  is  possible  to 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  in 

promote  Bible  groups  in  homes.  A  successful  class 
will  be  the  best  advertisement  for  this  type  of  work. 
As  a  general  rule  it  has  been  found  advisable  to  hold 
a  meeting  of  prayer  and  song  for  the  men  and 
women  together  followed  by  separate  groups — one 
for  the  men  and  one  for  the  women.  Bible  groups 
may  often  be  established  in  railroad  boarding 
houses.  Tactful  and  skilled  leaders  are  necessary 
for  such  groups. 

VIII.     Conservation  of  Results 

It  is  certainly  to  be  expected  that  out  of  the  regu- 
lar program  of  religious  effort  there  will  result  the 
bringing  of  men  to  the  point  of  Christian  decision. 
Earnest  and  prayerful  effort  among  vigorous  men 
seldom  fails  ultimately  to  produce  large  results. 
But  he  who  has  decided  for  the  Christian  life  has 
made  only  the  first  step  on  the  road;  he  is  at  the 
beginning  of  his  experience.  The  Association 
would  but  poorly  perform  its  work  if  it  left  a  man 
just  there.  The  Christian  life  is  a  great  struggle 
and  a  great  adventure,  and  to  live  it  in  its  fulness 
is  no  simple  task.  The  Association  should  endeavor 
to  confirm  each  man  in  his  decision  and  help  him 
to  meet  temptation  successfully  and  advance  in 
Christian  character  and  service. 

A  few  suggestions  in  this  connection  may  well  be 
put  down  here. 

I.  Each  new  convert  may  well  be  tied  up  to  some 


112  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

Christian  man  who  will  be  a  friend  in  the  first  diffi- 
cult months  of  the  new  life.  This  insures  that  no 
accidental  neglect  shall  occur. 

2.  Each  new  convert  should  be  urged  to  add  to 
his  Christian  knowledge  and  experience  by  faithful 
attendance  on  a  Bible  group  and  the  Association 
meetings.     He  needs  knowledge  in  order  to  grow. 

3.  Each  should  be  given  some  piece  of  definite 
service  at  the  very  earliest  opportunity.  Every 
small  piece  of  work  done  for  the  Master  means  a 
renewing  of  allegiance  to  Him,  and  gives  an  oppor- 
tunity for  the  expression  of  the  newly- found  re- 
ligious aspirations.  Beliefs  which  do  not  issue  in 
action  soon  die.  The  new  convert  should  be  kept 
busy  in  the  interests  of  his  fellows. 

4.  No  man  has  gone  the  whole  way  till  he  has 
entered  the  church  of  his  choice  and  thus  made 
himself  a  part  of  the  permanent  and  fundamental 
Christian  institution  commissioned  to  make  over 
this  life  into  the  Kingdom  of  God.  By  every  means 
in  its  power  the  Association  should  press  the  im- 
portance of  church  membership  and  especially  bring 
every  new  convert  into  church  fellowship  at  the 
earliest  possible  opportunity. 

IX.     The  Association's  Outreach 
I.  Deputation  Work 

Frequently  it  has  been  found  possible  for  an  As- 
sociation to  form  a  band  of  strong  Christian  mem- 


RELIGIOUS  WORK  113 

bers  who  are  able  to  go  out  themselves  to  conduct 
services  at  nearby  points.  Gospel  songs  and  simple, 
sincere  testimony  are  sufficient  to  make  up  the  pro- 
gram of  such  meetings.  This  means  a  large  serv- 
ice in  many  cases,  and  is  a  great  thing  for  those  who 
participate. 

2.  The  Foreign  Field 

Each  Association  should  plan  to  have  a  real  share 
in  the  promotion  of  Association  work  in  non- 
Christian  lands.  Interest  may  be  aroused  and 
stimulated  by  holding  occasional  public  meetings  in 
the  interest  of  Foreign  Work,  by  the  distribution  of 
printed  matter,  by  the  use  of  the  bulletin  board,  and 
in  various  other  ways.  In  some  sections  of  the 
country  the  Railroad  Associations  on  one  system 
have  united  in  assuming  the  support  of  a  secretary. 
The  money  is  usually  secured  from  the  rank  and 
file  of  the  membership. 

3.  The  Home  Field 

Coupled  with  the  promotion  of  foreign  work 
should  be  the  furthering  of  the  program  for  exten- 
sion work  in  the  home  Association  field  through  the 
State  and  International  Committees  and  the  Cana- 
dian National  Council.  In  inviting  men  to  cooper- 
ate, a  real  service  is  rendered  them.  The  Committee 
in  charge  of  such  work  may  well  arrange  for  occa- 
sional meetings  during  the  year  for  the  presentation 


114  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

of  the  united  work  of  the  North  American  field,  in 
the  United  States  and  Canada,  which  may  be  fol- 
lowed by  giving  men  a  personal  invitation  to  have 
a  part  in  the  promotion  of  the  general  work. 

X.     Conclusion 

The  foregoing  outline  is  only  suggestive.  It  is 
not  comprehensive  enough  to  include  every  Associa- 
tion and  is  intended  simply  for  a  fairly  systematic 
summary  of  some  of  the  leading  lines  of  work  now 
being  successfully  prosecuted.  It  is  presented  in  the 
hope  that  it  may  help  to  lead  to  a  more  serious  con- 
sideration of  the  central  objective  of  the  Association. 
The  religious  work  of  the  Association  is  never  com- 
plete. It  ought  to  be  constantly  expanding  just  as 
fast  as  the  means  and  the  men  will  permit :  we  should 
never  be  satisfied! 


VIII 
SOCIAL  WORK 


CHAPTER  VIII 
SOCIAL  WORK 

I.     Importance 

The  Railroad  Association  conceives  all  of  its 
work  socially.  The  fundamental  objective  is  Chris- 
tian and  religious,  but  its  methods  even  in  this  de- 
partment as  in  others  are  social.  The  development 
of  the  social  spirit  is  absolutely  essential  if  the  work 
is  to  be  successful;  and  the  religious,  physical,  and 
educational  departments  will  all  be  working  at  a 
disadvantage  if  this  spirit  remains  undeveloped. 
Some  experienced  leaders  maintain  that  the  efforts 
directed  toward  the  definitely  social  service  repre- 
sent the  weakest  side  of  our  work.  Lately,  how- 
ever, much  attention  has  been  given  to  this  depart- 
ment ;  and  there  is  much  to  encourage  the  hope  that 
soon  this  fundamental  consideration  will  take  the 
place  to  which  it  is  entitled. 

II.     Aim  and  Plans 

The  social  program  of  a  Railroad  Association 
cannot  be  fixed.  It  must  be  very  flexible,  and  must 
be  constantly  changed  and  adapted  as  it  develops. 

117 


ii8  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

As  long  as  men's  social  needs  keep  expanding,  the 
Association  will  have  to  expand  to  meet  those  needs. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  there  is  no  well-developed 
philosophy  of  Railroad  Association  social  work. 
There  has  been  a  good  deal  of  navigation  without 
chart  or  compass,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  wreckage 
floating  about  in  the  sea  of  Association  experience. 
Every  secretary  should,  approach  the  question  with 
all  the  patience  and  wisdom  he  can  muster,  and  per- 
sist in  experimentation.  For  there  is  much  need  for 
the  discovery  of  fixed  principles,  and  every  honest 
investigator  may  have  a  part  in  establishing  these. 
Results  are  slow  in  this  field:  it  is  necessary  to 
caution  against  the  "  do-good-quick  "  method. 

Plan  carefully  in  this  work.  Check  up  results 
constantly  by  comparing  with  the  plan  —  which 
ought  to  be  reduced  to  writing  —  so  that  every  step 
of  progress  may  be  noted. 

III.     The  Approach  to  the  Problem 

In  order  to  meet  the  social  needs  of  railroad 
men,  it  is  necessary  to  know  just  what  those  needs 
are.  Study  their  social  condition  —  what  creates 
that  condition,  wherein  it  strengthens  character, 
wherein  it  weakens  character.  Try  to  see  the  di- 
rection of  its  development.  The  worker  must  with- 
hold himself  from  the  fascinating  pursuit  of  solv- 
ing the  Social  Problem  and  devote  himself  to  the 
simpler   task   of   understanding   social    conditions. 


SOCIAL  WORK  119 

Such  a  process  requires  patience  and  resolution,  and 
above  all  scientific  temper  of  mind  combined  with 
dispassionate  common  sense.  Daily  experience  in 
contact  with  railroad  men  is  the  basis  of  any  such 
knowledge. 

The  social  conditions  of  railroad  men  to  a  certain 
extent  reflect  the  social  conditions  of  society  in  gen- 
eral. This  is  the  age  of  social  unrest,  and  every- 
where social  reform  and  social  reconstruction  are 
in  the  air.  This  spirit  is  disturbing  and  yet  en- 
couraging, for  it  does  not  create  problems  but  ex- 
poses them. 

The  Railroad  Association  secretary  is  a  phy- 
sician seeking  to  alleviate  the  social  ills  of  the  rail- 
road men  and  their  families.  By  the  methods  of 
social  pathology  he  must  discover  the  nature  and 
cause  of  the  ailments  before  a  cure  can  be  effected. 
History  counts  as  well  as  present  condition,  and 
there  is  no  panacea  for  all  evils.  Any  physician 
bears  a  great  responsibility  and  his  remedies  must 
be  applied  to  the  deep-seated  causes  his  diagnosis 
has  revealed.  Failure  to  appreciate  the  fundamen- 
tal importance  of  social  intelligence  has  caused  the 
failure  of  many  secretaries. 

The  Association  must  aim  to  meet  every  social 
need  that  lies  within  its  range  of  service.  If  it  fails 
to  do  this,  it  must  answer  for  social  perversion,  for 
neglect  surely  produces  perversion.  Sin's  easiest 
approach  to  the  railroad  man  is  through  his  social 


120  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

nature.  Experts  affirm  that  his  patronage  of  the 
saloon  and  his  practice  of  other  harmful  habits  are 
a  result  primarily,  not  of  physical  desire,  but  of 
social  neglect. 

IV.     The  Spirit  of  Social  Work 

The  Association  must  attract  by  its  sociability. 
And  sociability  is  a  condition  rather  than  an  act ;  a 
spirit,  rather  than  any  form.  Real  sociability  can 
spring  only  from  a  genuine  love  of  men  and  a  de- 
sire to  show  that  love  actively.  Love  is  the  ful- 
filling of  the  law  socially  as  well  as  morally. 

To  attract  by  sociability,  to  create  a  social  atmos- 
phere, to  be  **  social '' —  means  sacrifice  of  self  to 
the  common  good.  The  secretary  must  learn  the 
Master's  love  and  show  it  in  social  relations  as  He 
did.  His  social  aim  must  always  be  to  bring  men 
into  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  lead  them  to  know 
the  Lord  of  the  Kingdom.  Social  life  must  be 
spiritualized  and  religious  life  socialized. 

A  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  a  proper  view 
of  the  whole  roimd  of  social  relations  will  develop 
the  methods  necessary  to  promote  a  wholesome  so- 
cial life  within  the  Association  and  in  the  com- 
munity. 

V.     Duties  of  the  Social  Committee 

I.  Committee  Meetings 

(i)   Regularly,  and  at  least  once  a  month. 


SOCIAL  WORK  121 

(2)  Chairman    responsible    for    securing    at- 

tendance. 

(3)  Chairman  and  General  Secretary  to  pre- 

pare in  advance  a  concise  list  of  points 
for  consideration. 

(4)  Chairman  to  report  monthly  in  writing  to 

the  Board. 

Responsibilities 

(i)  Attend  committee  meetings. 

(2)  Share  their  plans  for  the  year  with  the 

President  and  General  Secretary. 

(3)  Cooperate  at  every  possible  point  with  the 

other  committees. 

(4)  Individual  members  of  the  committee  ac- 

cept responsibility  for  directing  given 
phases  of  the  work;  for  example,  one 
man  responsible  for  pool  and  billiard 
tournament,  and  one  for  new  members' 
reception,  one  for  special  entertain- 
ments, etc. 

(5)  Further  develop  the  spirit  of  home  and 

friendliness  within  the  Association. 


IX 

EDUCATIONAL  WORK 


CHAPTER  IX 
EDUCATIONAL  WORK 

Every  Railroad  Association  is  under  a  definite 
obligation  to  provide  some  form  of  educational  fa- 
cilities for  the  members.  The  extent  of  this  obli- 
gation varies,  being  determined  largely  by  the  local 
conditions  governing  the  other  activities  of  the  As- 
sociation. The  obligation  is  sometimes  evaded,  but 
it  should  be  recognized  that  it  does  exist;  and  it 
ought  to  be  seen  according  to  its  merits.  In  some 
cases  this  might  only  involve  a  larger  use  of  the 
reading  room  and  library,  the  promotion  of  a  read- 
ing course,  or  the  giving  of  a  series  of  practical 
talks ;  while  in  other  cases  it  would  involve  a  heavier 
program  with  a  schedule  of  classes  for  instruction 
in  various  subjects  of  interest  to  those  in  railway 
service. 

I.     Survey  of  the  Field 

The  first  duty  of  an  Educational  Committee  is  to 
determine  the  extent  of  the  educational  field  of  the 
Association  with  the  opportunities  and  limitations 
involved.  This  may  be  determined  by  a  survey  of 
the  field,  looking  into  a  local  condition  affecting 

125 


126  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

educational  work.  The  survey  might  well  include 
a  determination  of  the  occupied  local  field,  such  as 
public  night  school,  commercial  school,  correspond- 
ence school,  schools  for  railroad  employees,  public 
libraries,  and  lectures,  perfected  by  others.  It 
should  include  a  determination  of  the  unoccupied 
field  as  suggested  by  the  number  of  men  who  are 
employed  in  local  shops,  offices,  and  road  service, 
and  by  the  nature  of  the  work  required  of  the  men 
and  boys.  Such  an  investigation  aids  in  determin- 
ing (a)  the  kind  of  instruction  needed,  that  is, 
whether  general,  commercial,  or  industrial;  (b) 
subjects  most  likely  to  be  in  demand;  (c)  kind  of 
instruction  that  should  be  given,  that  is,  day  or 
evening;  (d)  mistakes  of  educational  agencies;  (e) 
library  efficiency;  (f)  types  of  talks  and  lectures 
desired  by  men;  (g)  clubs  which  can  be  formed 
naturally  among  them. 

Whatever  the  possibilities  of  the  educational 
work  of  an  Association  may  be,  such  work  should 
be  in  charge  of  an  educational  committee,  responsi- 
ble for  the  conduct  and  promotion  of  educational 
activities. 

11.     Form  of  Committee  Organization 

A  suggestive  form  of  committee  organization  is 
shown  in  the  following  paragraphs. 

The  chairman  and  at  least  three  others  should 
constitute  the  Educational  Committee. 


EDUCATIONAL  WORK  127 

1.  Instruction  section  (instruction  given  in  the 
building) . 

2.  Library  section  (library  and  reading  room). 

3.  Extension  section  (lectures,  practical  talks, 
and  classes  to  meet  the  needs  of  non-English  speak- 
ing employees  and  others). 

Sometimes  excellent  committee  men  have  been 
developed  from  among  those  who  are  holding  the 
more  responsible  positions  with  a  corporation.  On 
every  railroad  may  be  found  young  men  holding 
good  positions  who  are  constant  students,  readers 
of  good  books,  and  some  of  them  would  welcome 
an  opportunity  for  service  in  this  department. 

III.     The  Instruction  Section 

This  section  is  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  all 
features  of  instruction  given  in  the  building  or  in 
any  place  selected  for  that  purpose.  The  program 
should  continue  the  year  round,  providing  local  con- 
ditions will  admit  of  it.  Perhaps  the  heaviest  work 
would  occur  during  the  winter  or  early  spring 
months,  but  the  summer  and  fall  should  receive  due 
consideration.  Motion  pictures  or  stereopticons 
may  be  used  on  the  veranda  or  other  open  spaces  on 
the  premises  in  the  cool  of  the  summer  evening. 
The  work  of  this  section  of  the  Committee  includes 
the  planning  or  preparation  of  advertising  matter 
and  solicitation  of  students,  the  consideration  of  the 
qualifications  of  instructors  employed  upon  the  rec- 


128  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

ommendation  of  this  committee,  and  matters  of  ad- 
ministration in  connection  with  these  educational 
classes,  lectures,  talks,  and  clubs,  conducted  in  the 
building  as  Associational  educational  features. 

The  educational  program  of  each  season  should 
include  a  series  of  lectures  and  practical  talks, 
planned  far  enough  in  advance  to  be  connected  and 
constructive.  Some  subjects  that  have  been  popu- 
lar with  men  in  road  service  in  the  nature  of  prac- 
tical talks  or  discussions  are:  Break-downs;  Sig- 
nal Service;  Train  Rules;  Electrification  of  Equip- 
ment; Locomotives;  Air;  Coal;  Fire  Boxes  and 
Boiler  Construction ;  Lubrication ;  Proper  Handling 
of  Explosives;  Safety  First;  First  Aid  to  the  In- 
jured. 

It  is  desirable  that  some  official  of  the  company 
or  companies  interested  be  present  to  help  guide 
these  discussions  so  no  conclusions  may  be  reached 
at  variance  with  the  policy  or  practice  of  the  com- 
panies concerned. 

Very  satisfactory  results  are  obtainable  by  mak- 
ing use  of  films  of  a  semi-scientific  nature.  Many 
of  these  may  be  secured  from  reputable  firms  with- 
out charge.  Travelogues  in  motion  and  still  pic- 
tures are  popular  and  truly  educational.  Many  of 
the  great  railroad  systems  have  an  Intelligence  Bu- 
reau with  a  fine  equipment  of  slides  descriptive  of 
the  scenery  along  their  route.     Usually  an  applica- 


EDUCATIONAL  WORK  129 

tion  by  the  Association  for  their  free  use  will  be 
honored  by  these  companies. 


IV.     Library  and  Reading  Room 
I.  The  Library 

All  efforts  that  tend  to  make  the  library  and  read- 
ing room  a  center  of  educational  influence  consti- 
tute the  legitimate  work  of  the  library  section  of 
the  Committee.  This  section  should  be  familiar 
with  the  methods  used  by  Public  Libraries  to  popu- 
larize their  use.  In  cities  where  there  is  an  up-to- 
date  city  library,  many  Associations  are  not  buying 
new  books,  but  are  cooperating  with  the  city  libra- 
rian, making  the  Association  a  repository,  with 
practically  no  expense  to  the  Association. 

It  should  be  the  policy  of  the  Committee  to  retire 
obsolete  books  and  keep  only  the  best  on  the  shelves. 
When  it  comes  to  adding  books  to  the  library  there 
must  be  some  fixed  rule  to  avoid  complications.  It 
has  proven  satisfactory  to  have  a  certain  sum 
vouchered  monthly  or  quarterly  to  the  Educational 
Committee  for  the  purchase  of  new  books.  A  plan 
that  is  sometimes  followed  is  to  have  a  special  fee 
charged  for  books  just  added  to  the  library  for 
which  there  is  a  large  demand,  this  to  continue  until 
the  books  are  from  sixty  to  ninety  days  in  the 
service. 


130  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

The  Committee  should  fix  upon  a  policy  as  to  the 
class  of  books  that  are  to  be  added  to  the  library  — 
whether  science,  history,  poetry,  fiction,  biography, 
etc.,  and  endeavor  to  determine  the  right  proportion 
of  each  class.  It  is  well  to  remember  that  a  library 
is  not  properly  judged  by  its  total  number  of  vol- 
umes, but  by  the  average  number  of  times  its  books 
have  been  loaned.  Reading  Clubs  for  cultural  pur- 
poses may  be  promoted  with  proper  effort.  Certifi- 
cates following  examinations  or  Reading  Courses 
are  issued  by  the  International  Committee  on  re- 
quest. 

Another  type  of  helpful  work  done  by  the  Com- 
mittee is  to  arrange  for  talks  in  the  parlors  of  the 
building  on  the  lives  of  the  men  and  women  who 
have  written  the  books  on  our  library  shelves. 

2.  The  Reading  Room 

One  of  the  first  duties  of  the  Committee  should 
be  to  endeavor  to  standardize  the  reading  material 
—  monthly,  weekly,  and  daily.  The  needs  and 
tastes  of  those  already  using  the  room  and  the  prob- 
able wants  of  those  not  patronizing  it  should  be 
carefully  considered.  A  well-balanced  list  of  publi- 
cations should  be  the  aim  of  the  Committee.  Space 
should  not  be  given  to  ultra-propagandist  publica- 
tions, and  publications  that  are  prone  to  create  di- 
vision between  members  should  be  excluded  from 
the  files.     Too  large  a  list  of  publications  is  not 


EDUCATIONAL  WORK  131 

wise.  It  is  a  safe  rule  that  no  publication  be  added, 
whether  by  gift  or  purchase,  until  it  has  had  the 
approval  of  the  Committee. 

Great  diligence  must  be  exercised  to  keep  the  files 
free  from  publications  surreptitiously  inserted  by 
outsiders.  Bulletins  neat  and  brief  attract  the  at- 
tention of  discerning  men  and  are  much  appreciated. 
Book  reviews  and  periodical  bulletins  serve  a  good 
purpose  when  posted  in  properly  designated  places 
in  shops  and  offices.  It  is  well  to  remember  that 
an  obsolete  bulletin  has  a  tendency  to  spoil  the  effect 
of  a  new  one.  Properly  marked  covers  for  all 
weekly  and  monthly  publications  are  a  necessity  in  a 
well-organized  reading  room.  Newspapers  very 
largely  form  the  basis  for  building  up  a  constituency 
in  the  reading  room.  More  than  one  copy  of  a 
favorite  paper  should  be  provided  if  the  demand 
justifies  it. 

V.     Extension  Section 

The  work  of  the  Extension  Section  is  to  reach 
and  influence  men  educationally  wherever  they  may 
be  found  within  the  territory  of  the  local  Associ- 
ation. This  includes  educational  lectures  and  prac- 
tical talks,  given  at  the  noon  hour  or  other  times 
in  round-houses,  shops,  freight  houses,  yards,  con- 
struction camps,  or  neighborhoods. 

Regular  programs  may  be  carried  out  with  suc- 
cess in  the  various  centers  during  the  noon  hour. 


132  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

When  such  work  is  contemplated,  the  management 
of  the  company  should  be  consulted  and  the  plan 
outlined,  an  endorsement  secured,  then  a  competent 
committee  from  the  shops  should  be  selected  on 
whom  much  of  the  responsibility  should  be  placed. 
The  stereopticon  and  motion  picture  ]:nachine  are 
very  popular  in  this  type  of  meeting. 

The  committee  chosen  should  be  of  such  standing 
and  strength  as  to  assume  very  largely  the  manage- 
ment of  all  the  meetings.  Such  topics  as  a  study 
of  Contagion;  First  Aid;  Safety;  Thrift;  The  Bal- 
lot and  Voter;  Tuberculosis;  ^Welfare  Agencies  and 
Their  Work  in  Our  City;  Immigration;  European 
People ;  Asiatic  People ;  Travelogues  —  America 
and  Abroad;  United  States  Mint;  Post  Office  De- 
partment; the  Army  and  Navy  Department;  and 
similar  subjects  may  be  made  very  entertaining  and 
instructive. 

The  promotion  and  conduct  of  clubs  that  may  be 
formed  naturally  among  any  group  of  men  and  that 
foster  some  educational  features  is  another  type. 
Clubs  for  the  study  and  practice  of  thrift  offer  ex- 
cellent opportunity  for  the  Association  to  prove  its 
true  interest  in  the  wage-earner  if  wise  leadership 
be  furnished.  Following  thrift  lectures,  good  re- 
sults may  be  obtained  by  organizing  members  into 
groups  for  the  putting  into  practice  of  the  teachings 
of  the  course. 

Opportunities   frequently   come   for  cooperating 


EDUCATIONAL  WORK  133 

with  the  railroad  companies  in  the  conduct  of  some 
of  its  welfare  work.  Some  such  subjects  as  Safety 
First,  First  Aid  to  the  Injured,  are  most  common. 
Frequently  splendid  service  can  be  rendered  by  or- 
ganizing clubs  of  employees,  engaged  in  the  same 
department  —  such  as  the  Interchange  Department 
of  the  master  car  builders. 

At  the  noon  hour  in  shops,  clubs  for  the  study 
of  American  history  and  current  events  have  been 
successfully  promoted.  The  Apprentice  Club  meet- 
ing on  company  time  and  premises  under  Associa- 
tion leadership  is  another  productive  form  of  service 
and  is  very  much  appreciated.  These  classes  also 
may  be  conducted  in  the  Association  building,  after 
working  hours,  with  good  results. 

The  promotion  and  conduct  of  educational  classes 
in  outside  points  where  such  service  can  be  rendered, 
is  another  type  of  work.  In  both  the  club  work 
and  the  class  work,  the  securing  of  competent  leaders 
and  teachers  lies  within  the  province  of  this  Com- 
mittee. One  of  the  opportunities  for  service  is  the 
teaching  of  English  to  the  foreign  born. 

VI.     Association  Publicity 

To  keep  the  Association  before  the  general  public 
in  the  most  efficient  manner,  a  systematic  plan  of 
publicity  should  be  adopted.  The  daily  newspaper 
and  religious  publications  offer  splendid  opportunity 
for  keeping  friends  advised,  and  creating  new  in- 


134  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

terest.  The  issuing  of  the  annual  and  other  reports 
that  are  for  informing  members  and  supporters 
should  be  assumed  by  this  committee.  An  excel- 
lent opportunity  is  offered  by  the  use  of  the  com- 
pany bulletin  boards  for  the  posting  especially  of 
such  information  that  is  of  general  interest  and 
calculated  to  give  a  more  thorough  knowledge  of 
the  Association  work.  Letters  to  the  membership, 
regarding  special,  future,  or  past  events  have  a 
strong  tendency  to  create  a  more  intelligent  and 
sympathetic  support. 

The  foregoing  form  of  Educational  Committee 
organization  is  sufficiently  flexible  to  allow  the  use 
of  any  portion  of  it  as  may  be  desirable.  It  may 
be  necessary,  however,  in  the  case  of  small  Asso- 
ciations, to  have  a  general  Educational  Committee, 
consisting  of  but  three  members,  charged  with  the 
promotion  and  conduct  of  such  educational  work  as 
may  seem  possible  under  local  conditions.  The 
work  of  this  committee  would  naturally  include  the 
collecting  of  the  annual  periodical  list,  promoting 
reading  courses,  practical  talks,  and  lectures  of  an 
educational  nature. 


X 

PHYSICAL  WORK 


CHAPTER  X 
PHYSICAL  WORK 

Railroad  men  need  physical  exercise  as  much  as 
any  other  group  of  men,  in  order  to  develop  and 
maintain  that  health  and  strength  so  essential  to 
insure  efficiency  and  hence  success  in  life. 

There  was  a  time  when  most  road  and  shop  men 
secured  all  the  physical  activity  they  craved  or 
needed  in  the  course  of  their  daily  duties,  but  con- 
ditions have  been  changing  in  recent  years  until 
now  but  a  small  proportion  of  them  are  called  upon 
for  physical  exertion  in  the  ordinary  routine  of  their 
work.  This  explains  why  during  the  past  few  years 
there  has  been  a  great  increase  in  the  interest  of 
railroad  men  in  gymnastics  and  athletics,  particu- 
larly the  latter. 

The  gymnastic  class  work  that  has  been  so  suc- 
cessful in  City  Associations  has  not  proven  as  satis- 
factory for  road  or  shop  men,  although  giving 
splendid  results  among  office  men.  The  reasons  are 
quite  obvious.  The  office  man  has  regular  working 
hours  indoors  and  his  employment  is  of  a  mental 
type.     When  the  day's  task  is  over  he  feels  the 


138  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

need  of  muscular  activity  and  the  gymnasium  class 
held  at  a  regular  convenient  time  best  meets  his  re- 
quirements. While  the  shop  man  has  regular  hours 
largely  of  indoor  work,  there  is  sufficient  physical 
exercise  in  his  job  to  take  away  the  keen  edge  of 
desire  for  more,  unless  the  element  of  recreation  or 
competition  enters  into  it;  the  result  is  that  only  a 
few  shop  men  participate  in  regular  class  work  in 
the  gymnasium  but  many  are  keenly  interested  in 
athletic  games  and  competition. 

The  road  men,  however,  have  such  irregular 
periods  of  being  at  any  one  place  at  any  definite 
time  that  it  has  been  found  more  difficult  to  develop 
any  class  or  group  work  among  them.  These  con- 
ditions are  now  fully  realized  and  methods  are  being 
discovered  and  tested  for  meeting  these  problems  so 
that  at  many  division  points  and  terminals  large 
numbers  of  railroad  men  are  participating  in  base- 
ball, both  indoor  and  out,  tennis,  soccer,  football, 
track  and  field  athletics,  lawn  bowls,  croquet,  as  well 
as  volley  ball,  basket  ball,  and  bowling.  Swimming 
and  camping  facilities  are  being  utilized  wherever 
they  are  conveniently  obtainable. 

To  successfully  promote  any  of  these  features 
leadership  is  essential.  A  camp,  a  field,  a  swimming 
pool  or  a  gymnasium  without  a  leader  is  like  a 
school  without  a  teacher.  Experience  has  demon- 
strated that  the  most  successful  leader  is  some  mem- 
ber of  the  staff  who  has  had  both  training  and  ex- 


PHYSICAL  WORK  139 

perience  in  promoting  physical  training.  A  man  of 
initiative  and  adaptability  who  has  the  ability  to 
get  close  to  railroad  men,  is  essential.  The  best 
equipped  man  who  can  be  secured  is  needed  for  this 
work  and  success  can  be  looked  for  in  proportion 
to  the  type  of  leadership  and  faciHties  provided. 

A  group  of  five  or  seven  interested  and  progres- 
sive men  will  be  needed  as  a  Committee  to  cooperate 
with  the  leader  in  this  work.  It  is  important  that 
there  should  not  be  frequent  changes  in  the  per- 
sonnel of  the  leadership.  This  is  comparatively  a 
new  line  of  activity  and  progress  will  necessarily  be 
slow.  Frequent  changes  will  result  in  set  backs  and 
a  failure  to  profit  from  the  experience  of  others. 

In  some  fields  it  may  not  be  possible  to  find  a 
suitable  member  of  the  staff  as  leader.  In  such 
instances  a  volunteer  or  a  committee  of  volunteers 
can  successfully  promote  a  limited  number  of  recre- 
ative or  competitive  physical  activities,  particularly 
where  local  surroundings  make  certain  activities 
easy  to  arrange,  such  as  baseball,  athletics,  or  camp- 
ing. 

Emphasis  should  be  placed  upon  the  recreative 
and  health  phase  of  physical  exercise  rather  than 
the  combative.  The  competitive  spirit  should  be 
introduced  to  stimulate  interest,  but  should  not  be 
given  chief  prominence.  The  desire  to  win  medals 
or  to  win  at  any  cost  should  be  eliminated.  Group 
and  team  contests  of  various  kinds  are  proving  of 


140  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

great  interest  at  many  points.  Advantage  is  being 
taken  of  the  natural  groupings  of  the  men,  such  as 
Office  vs.  Shop  or  Road  Men,  or  Carpenters  vs. 
Boiler  Makers  or  Machinists  or  Blacksmiths. 

A  course  of  preparatory  training  can  be  arranged 
which  will  make  the  series  of  games,  league,  or 
tournament  more  than  a  single  effort.  Handball  is 
a  game  that  is  particularly  well  adapted  to  road  men 
as  it  can  be  played  by  a  few  men  at  any  time.  It 
gives  splendid  all-round  exercise  and  in  addition 
holds  the  interests  of  players  for  many  years.  Vol- 
ley ball  is  another  game  that  is  suitable  to  all  types 
of  men  and  can  be  played  by  a  few  or  many  for  a 
short  or  long  time.  Both  of  these  games  are  popu- 
lar either  in  or  out  doors. 


XI 

RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT 


CHAPTER  XI 
RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT 

Leaders  in  the  Railroad  Department  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  are  placing 
proper  emphasis  on  the  importance  of  the  restau- 
rant in  the  Railroad  Association.  Where  this  fea- 
ture of  the  work  is  properly  conducted  more  men 
are  found  using  the  privileges  and  taking  a  vital 
interest  in  the  various  activities  of  the  Association. 
The  restaurant  creates  a  social  atmosphere  in  the 
building,  renders  a  real  service  to  both  the  men 
and  the  railroad  company,  and  ought  to  provide  a 
small  net  revenue  for  Association  purposes. 

I.     Location 

The  restaurant  should  occupy  rooms  in  the  main 
building,  but  not  the  most  prominent.  They  should 
be  easy  of  access  and  so  located  as  to  be  in  full 
view  from  the  general  office  of  the  Association. 

II.     Construction 

The  most  essential  features  are  economy  in  serv- 
ice,  and  sanitation.     Each   department   should   be 

143 


144  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

roomy,  light,  and  well  ventilated.     These  conditions 
are  necessary  for  successful  operation. 

1.  Kitchen 

This  should  be  fire-proof  throughout.  If  the 
main  building  is  of  brick  this  is  easily  accomplished ; 
if  of  wood,  concrete  should  be  used  for  the  walls 
of  the  kitchen,  hollow  tiling  for  the  partitions,  and 
patent  plaster  for  walls  and  ceilings.  Floors  should 
be  of  hard  wood,  with  concrete  base  under  range. 

2.  Serving  Pantry 

This  should  be  located  between  the  kitchen  and 
the  lunch  and  dining  rooms.  It  should  be  easy  of 
access  to  both,  carefully  arranged  and  equipped,  and 
presided  over  by  a  competent  employee. 

3.  Lunch  Counter  and  Dining  Room 

The  lunch  counter  is  more  economical  than  the 
dining  room.  However,  under  certain  conditions, 
tables  may  be  used  to  advantage.  The  lunch  coun- 
ter should  be  of  the  most  approved  type  —  this  does 
not  imply  the  most  expensive  —  built  for  sanitation 
and  quick  service;  of  horse-shoe  pattern  with  cherry 
or  mahogany  top;  body  of  counter  placed  on  iron 
brackets  or  supports  eighteen  inches  from  floor; 
drawers  on  inside  for  linen,  silver,  etc. ;  a  buflFet  and 
urn  stand  between  counters. 


RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT  145 

4.  Store  Room 

This  should  be  substantially  constructed ;  of  ample 
size  to  hold  several  months'  supply  of  foods;  ac- 
cessible to  kitchen;  with  one  outside  entrance;  well 
ventilated  and  lighted,  and  perfectly  dry ;  with  con- 
crete floor  with  good  drainage  to  permit  hosing 
down. 

5.  Refrigeration 

Proper  refrigeration  is  of  utmost  importance. 
The  best  is  the  most  economical.  Sufficient  space 
should  be  employed,  with  different  compartments  for 
certain  food  materials.  Many  of  the  larger  Asso- 
ciations are  installing  refrigerating  plants.  These 
should  be  thoroughly  investigated  before  installa- 
tion. 

6.  Comfort  Facilities  for  Employees 

Separate  rooms  for  male  and  female  workers 
should  be  provided  and  conveniently  located. 

7.  Cashier's  Desk 

This  should  be  located  so  as  to  command  full 
view  of  lunch  counter  and  dining  room;  also,  the 
supervision  of  cigar  counter,  fruit,  and  candy 
stands. 

III.     Decorations 

A  pleasing  color  scheme  should  be  used  through- 


146  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

out  the  entire  department.  Furniture  and  decora- 
tions, such  as  painting,  shades,  curtains,  should 
have  a  relative  correspondence  to  each  other  that 
will  be  pleasing  to  the  eye  as  well  as  serviceable. 

IV.     Equipment 

1.  Kitchen 

Ample  refrigeration ;  a  sufficiently  large  and  sub- 
stantially constructed  range;  a  supply  of  aluminum 
cooking  utensils;  a  steam  table  of  approved  type; 
three  sinks,  for  pots  and  pans,  vegetables,  silver 
and  glassware ;  a  good  dish-washing  machine ;  vege- 
table parer;  bread  and  meat  slicers;  serving  tables; 
meat  block ;  bake  ovens ;  and  other  necessary  equip- 
ment with  suction  fans  and  canopy  over  same. 

2.  Auxiliary  Store  Room 

Shelving;  sufficient  covered  containers  for  all 
loose  materials;  small  scales;  measures;  desk  with 
proper  books  and  report  blanks  to  keep  careful  rec- 
ords of  all  supplies  issued. 

3.  Lunch  Room 

Coffee  urns;  tea  and  milk  containers;  sufficient 
refrigeration;  glass  or  screened  compartments  for 
bread,  pies,  cakes,  and  all  ready-to-serve  foods; 
buffet  for  display  purposes;  comfortable  stools  fas- 
tened to  floor  proper  distance  from  counter  and 
from  each  other;  brass  rail  running  entire  distance 


RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT  147 

outside  of  counter,  anchored  to  both  floor  and  coun- 
ter, for  foot  rest ;  overhead  fans  and  indirect  illumi- 
nation. 

4.  Dining  Room 

Square  or  round  tables  to  seat  from  two  to  six 
persons;  tables  to  have  solid  tops,  to  be  built  for 
strength;  comfortable  chairs;  table-cloths  and  nap- 
kins, and  good  quality  of  silver  and  china  ware. 

5.  Store  Room 

Sufficient  shelving  for  all  purposes ;  bins  for  vege- 
tables; covered  containers  for  all  loose  supplies; 
racks,  hooks  and  other  proper  facilities  for  handling 
and  storing  foods;  one  pair  of  large  platform 
scales;  both  wet  and  dry  measures;  books  and  rec- 
ord blanks  for  keeping  careful  account  of  all  goods 
received  and  issued. 

6.  Comfort  and  Rest  Room  Facilities 

Shower  and  tub  baths;  lavatory  with  hot  and 
cold  water;  toilet,  mirror,  lockers;  hooks  and 
chairs. 

7.  Cashier's  Desk 

Good  cash  register  with  proper  differentiations; 
cases  for  cigars  and  tobacco,  candies,  etc.;  proper 
blanks  and  record  books  for  accurate  and  systematic 
reports. 


148  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

V.     Purchasing 

1.  Credit 

Undue  emphasis  cannot  be  attached  to  the  impor- 
tance of  good  credit  for  the  following  reasons : 

(i)  The  buyer  who  discounts  his  bills  earns  a 
sure  profit  of  one  to  four  per  cent  trade  discount 
on  gross  purchases. 

(2)  Successful  buyers  estimate  an  advantage  of 
five  per  cent  in  first  cost  purchasing  power  in  favor 
of  the  party  who  discounts  bills. 

(3)  Good  credit  has  a  direct  and  valuable  bear- 
ing on  the  relationship  between  seller  and  customer. 
Successful  salesmen  are  anxious  to  demonstrate,  by 
comparative  tests,  their  line  of  goods  and  give  the 
benefit  of  their  experience  concerning  different 
grades  and  brands  with  which  they  are  familiar. 
Moreover,  the  man  who  discounts  his  bills  enjoys 
the  business  confidence  of  the  entire  community  in 
which  he  lives,  an  asset  that  cannot  be  measured  in 
terms  of  money. 

2.  Miscellaneous  Buying 

On  account  of  the  wide  range  of  detail  we  are 
confined  to  general  principles.  While  buying  effi- 
ciency can  only  be  developed  to  its  greatest  value 
through  practical  experience,  there  are,  however, 
some  principles  which  can  be  applied  as  first  aid  to 
such  experience,     (a)    A  thorough  knowledge  of 


RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT  149 

market  value  covering  cost  and  quality  of  different 
brands  and  grades  of  merchandise  is  essential;  (b) 
quality  is  not  always  determined  by  price;  (c)  know 
your  field  and  its  business  relationship  to  your  buy- 
ing needs. 

(i)  Canned  goods.  All  canned  food  products 
should  be  purchased  by  comparative  price,  quality, 
and  quantity  tests.  The  market  value  of  canned 
corn,  peas,  tomatoes,  beans,  and  certain  kinds  of 
canned  fruit  is  largely  determined  by  the  section  of 
the  country  in  which  they  are  grown  and  packed. 
This  also  applies  to  all  lines  of  dried  fruits.  Dried 
fruits  are  market  graded  —  extra  fancy,  fancy,  and 
choice.  The  same  market  value  conditions  apply 
to  navy  beans,  rice,  and  cheese. 

(2)  Futures,  Use  extreme  caution  not  to  over- 
buy. Prices  should  be  guaranteed  against  market 
decline. 

(3)  Meat.  The  market  value  of  meat  is  more 
closely  related  to  its  selling  price  than  almost  any 
food  product  which  enters  into  restaurant  opera- 
tion. As  meat  represents  the  largest  single  outlay 
in  operating  cost  a  thorough  buying  knowledge, 
covering  quality,  different  cuts,  and  market  price  is 
a  first  essential.  Such  information  can  only  be  ac- 
quired by  practical  experience. 

(a)  Fresh  Beef.  The  classes  of  carcass  beef  are 
steers,  heifers,  and  cows.  They  are  graded  — 
prime,  choice,  good,  medium,  common,  and  canners. 


150  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

General  division  of  fresh  beef  cuts  are — loins, 
ribs,  rounds,  chucks,  plates,  flanks,  and  shanks. 
These  are  subdivided  into  hotel  cuts  known  as  bone- 
less, sirloin,  sirloin  butts,  loin  ends,  porterhouse 
ends,  and  loin  backs,  which  are  all  cut  from  the  beef 
loin,  together  with  spencer  rolls  and  shoulder  clods 
which  are  cut  from  the  fore-quarters. 

(b)  Veal  and  Lamb.  Veal  is  marketed  either 
by  the  entire  carcass  or  divided  into  hind  and  fore 
quarters.  Market  divisions  of  lambs  are,  hind  sad- 
dles, racks,  and  stews. 

(c)  Ham  and  Bacon.  Buy  only  the  best  quality 
of  sugar-cured  hams  and  bacon.  The  difference  in 
cost-price  of  cheaper  grades  is  lost  in  cutting,  with 
the  additional  sacrifice  of  quality.  Best  quality 
hams  range  from  twelve  to  seventeen  pounds,  bacon 
strips  four  to  five  pounds. 

(4)  Coffee.  One  thousand  is  a  conservative  es- 
timate of  the  different  brands  on  the  market,  all 
produced  from  ten  or  twelve  different  kinds  of  cof- 
fee. Buy  the  grade  which  gives  the  best  results 
by  test. 

(5)  Tea.  Buy  the  best  the  market  affords. 
Quality  can  be  determined  only  by  cupping. 

VI.     Receiving 

A  careful  receiving  check  should  be  made  of  all 
goods    purchased.     Shortages    in    merchandise    or 


RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT  151 

weight  should  be  immediately  reported  by  party  in 
charge  of  store  room. 

1.  Storing 

Merchandise  represents  money  in  a  different  form 
and  is  subject  to  loss  through  many  causes.  There- 
fore, great  care  should  be  exercised  in  conserving 
its  value. 

(i)  Fresh  meats  should  be  stored  in  a  tempera- 
ture of  thirty-five  degrees.  Refrigerator  should  be 
kept  dry  and  clean  at  all  times.  All  fresh  vege- 
tables, milk,  fish,  and  butter  should  be  stored  in 
separate  compartments. 

(2)  All  dried  fruits  should  be  stored  at  a  tem- 
perature of  forty  to  fifty  degrees. 

(3)  All  canned  goods  or  package  merchandise 
carried  on  store  room  shelves  should  not  come  in 
contact  with  plaster  or  concrete  walls.  A  ventilated 
platform,  ten  inches  high,  should  be  provided  for 
all  food  products  carried  in  bins,  barrels,  and  other 
containers.  The  temperature  of  the  store  room 
should  be  seventy  degrees. 

2.  Issuing  Supplies 

All  supplies  carried  in  store  room  should  be  issued 
on  requisition  from  manager.  Daily  record  of 
same  should  be  kept  in  permanent  record  form  for 
easy  reference. 


152  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

VII.     Preparation  and  Service 

The  preparation  and  serving  of  wholesome  food 
is  both  a  science  and  a  distinct  contribution  to  Chris- 
tian service.  Cleanliness  is  a  first  essential.  Prep- 
aration and  service  is  the  final  process  of  convert- 
ing raw  material  into  revenue  and  is,  therefore, 
subject  to  all  operating  charges,  such  as  provision 
and  service  cost,  over-head  charges  —  consisting  of 
rent,  light,  heat,  water,  laundry,  and  miscellaneous 
expense  —  to  which  should  be  added  equipment 
depreciation  and  building  maintenance.  Conse- 
quently all  this  requires  efficient  business  manage- 
ment. 

Provision  cost  is  the  largest  financial  outlay  and 
should  represent  a  percentage  cost  of  gross  revenue 
in  keeping  with  prices  received  for  finished  food 
products.  Such  cost  should  be  accurately  and  sys- 
tematically determined  covering  each  item  of  food 
service.  We  have  not  reached  a  satisfactory  stand- 
ard of  provision  cost  until  we  serve  the  best  grade 
of  food  obtainable  on  the  market  at  a  service  cost 
that  will  not  only  hold  but  add  new  trade  from 
time  to  time,  and  finally  show  a  satisfactory  income 
for  money  and  time  invested. 

Although  a  high  standard  may  obtain  in  prepara- 
tion, the  public  will  largely  judge  the  efficiency  of 
the  work  by  the  service.  Cleanliness,  courtesy, 
neatness,  and  promptness  are  fundamentals  which, 


RESTAURANT  MANAGEMENT  153 

applied  in  their  relationships,  will  return  large  divi- 
dends. 

VIII.     Competent  Employees 

1.  Securing 

It  is  of  vital  importance  that  special  emphasis  be 
placed  on  securing  employees  who  represent  the 
highest  grade  of  character,  for  the  preparation  and 
serving  of  food  in  our  Railroad  Association  res- 
taurants. Employees  should  be  secured  from  the 
community  or  as  near  by  as  possible,  this  being  gov- 
erned by  local  conditions.  It  is  an  unwise  policy  to 
secure  employees  from  employment  agencies.  The 
recommendations  of  faithful  employees  is  of  value. 

2.  Training 

The  standards  of  life  and  conduct  set  by  the  sec- 
retary and  manager  have  a  direct  bearing  on  the 
growth  and  training  of  new  employees.  Patience 
and  care  should  characterize  the  attitude  of  the  man- 
ager in  their  training.  Discipline  should  be  admin- 
istered only  after  thought  and  never  in  the  passion 
of  anger.  Employees  who  are  disloyal  or  incom- 
petent should  not  be  retained  in  the  service. 

3.  Keeping 

The  retaining  of  faithful  and  competent  em- 
ployees is  a  valuable  asset.  Reasonably  short  hours 
of   labor,   vacations   with  pay,   Christmas   remem- 


154  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

brances,  sick  benefits,  get-together  parties,  annual 
automobile  rides,  and  proper  comfort  facilities,  have 
been  found  helpful  in  procuring  this  result.  Ad- 
vances in  pay  for  added  responsibilities  have  a  di- 
rect bearing;  also,  cooperative  helpfulness  should  be 
emphasized  in  the  dealings  of  the  Association  with 
the  restaurant  employees,  as  the  largest  success  of 
the  Association  is  much  dependent  upon  their  loyalty 
and  efficiency. 


XII 

BOYS'  WORK  IN  RAILROAD 
COMMUNITIES 


CHAPTER  XII 

BOYS'  WORK  IN  RAILROAD 
COMMUNITIES 

I.     Importance 

The  boys  of  railroad  communities  are  a  most 
productive  field  as  yet  little  cultivated  by  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association.  The  fact  that  they 
are  a  difficult  problem  does  not  justify  the  lack  of 
effort  in  adapting  Association  methods  to  the  pe- 
culiar and  striking  needs  among  them. 

A  large  proportion  of  these  boys  are  sons  of  rail- 
road men  and  are  in  real  need  of  the  Association 
influence.  Perhaps  more  than  the  average  boy  they 
afford  the  natural  channel  through  which  the  Asso- 
ciation can  v^ork  most  effectively  for  influence  in 
the  home,  in  the  churches,  and  in  the  schools.  In 
fact,  it  is  through  the  boys  that  the  Railroad  Associ- 
ation can  best  cooperate  with  most  of  the  insti- 
tutions and  activities  that  determine  the  moral  and 
religious  standards  of  the  community. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  a  large  percentage  of 
these  boys  are  thinking  in  terms  of  railroad  work 

157 


158  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

for  their  future  vocation.  The  engineer  is  the  hero 
and  ideal  of  the  average  boy  in  the  railroad  commu- 
nity. The  boy's  ideas  of  play,  as  well  as  work,  are 
built  upon  his  knowledge  of  railroad  duties, 
whether  his  father  is  an  employee  of  the  company 
or  not.  The  average  boy  of  a  railroad  community 
is  the  company's  prospective  employee  for  a  respon- 
sible position  in  the  future.  By  taking  advantage 
of  this  natural  condition,  and  helping  these  boys  to 
build  character  that  will  resist  temptations  of  rail- 
road life  a  few  years  hence,  the  Association  accom- 
plishes a  three- fold  result :  an  inestimable  contribu- 
tion toward  efficient  railroading  in  the  future;  the 
development  of  future  leadership  for  the  Associa- 
tion; and  accomplishment  for  the  present  of  some 
measure  of  the  real  objective  of  the  Association. 

In  most  instances  the  Association's  opportunity 
and  responsibility  for  the  boys  of  the  railroad  com- 
munity rests  wholly  upon  the  Railroad  Department. 
There  is  usually  no  city  Association  sufficiently  ac- 
cessible, even  though  there  be  one  in  the  same  city. 
The  Railroad  Department  needs  to  train  boys'  work 
secretaries  not  only  as  representatives  of  the  Rail- 
road Association  direct,  but  in  many  instances  to  be 
the  railroad  community  representative  of  a  City 
Association  in  certain  centers  where  a  regular  Rail- 
road Department  is  not  possible.  The  training  of 
such  leadership  will  result  in  much  larger  emphasis 


BOYS'  WORK  159 

on  both  the  equipment  and  non-equipment  type  of 
boys'  work  in  railroad  communities. 

II.     Methods 

Experience  has  demonstrated  that  work  among 
boys  cannot  wisely  be  conducted  in  the  rooms  used 
by  railroad  men.  That  the  presence  of  boys  will 
drive  away  the  railroad  men  seems  to  be  an  unalter- 
able fact.  A  separate  building  for  boys,  as  a  de- 
partment of  the  Railroad  Association,  has  been  suc- 
cessful where  tried.  Such  a  building  ordinarily 
need  not  be  pretentious  or  expensive,  and  might  be 
found  possible  by  many  Railroad  Associations  that 
have  not  given  the  question  serious  consideration. 
The  boys  themselves,  with  proper  leadership,  can 
often  secure  with  surprising  ease  the  necessary 
funds  for  equipping  such  a  building,  and  possibly  in 
some  instances  the  funds  for  the  building  itself. 
The  maintenance  of  such  work  falls  properly  upon 
the  community  rather  than  on  the  railroad  com- 
pany, and  there  is  no  feature  of  Association  activity 
that  appeals  more  effectively  for  community  sup- 
port than  the  work  among  boys. 

However,  at  least  for  the  present,  there  will  con- 
tinue to  be  many  Railroad  Associations  that  for 
various  reasons  do  not  find  it  possible  to  provide  a 
separate  building  for  boys.  With  these  Associa- 
tions there  are  possibilities  perhaps  equally  large  in 


i6o  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

the  form  of  Extension  Work  either  without  equip- 
ment or  with  only  club  centers.  With  the  boys 
organized  into  small  groups  or  clubs  it  has  some- 
times been  found  easily  possible  to  secure  as  head- 
quarters a  room  in  some  school  building  or  other 
accessible  public  center.  The  salary  of  a  Boys' 
Work  Secretary,  together  with  other  expenses,  has 
been  provided  with  comparative  ease  in  certain  com- 
munities where  as  many  as  ten  groups  or  clubs  could 
be  organized  with  ten  boys  to  a  group,  each  group 
having  its  regular  schedule  of  activities  promoted 
with  a  school  room  as  headquarters.  The  primary 
essential  is  not  equipment,  nor  even  a  club  room  of 
any  kind,  but  strong  personality  with  the  quality  of 
boy  leadership  embodied  in  the  Association's  secre- 
tarial representative.  This  leader  should  be  able  to 
share  his  responsibility  not  only  with  some  of  the 
older  boys,  but  also  with  certain  adults  who  possess 
the  right  qualifications  and  can  be  trained.  How- 
ever, the  underlying  principle  for  success  is  neither 
equipment  nor  organization,  but  personality  in  lead- 
ership. Perhaps  it  would  be  fair  to  state  that  it  is 
nine-tenths  personality  and  one-tenth  organization 
and  method.  There  are  many  ways  of  doing  boys' 
work  successfully  if  there  is  the  right  personal  in- 
fluence; but  without  it,  there  is  no  way  to  success. 
Leadership  of,  or  cooperation  in,  the  Boy  Scout 
movement  affords  one  of  the  attractive  possibilities 
for  the  Railroad  Association.     Summer  camps  also 


BOYS'  WORK  i6i 

are  being  recognized  increasingly  as  one  of  the  great 
opportunities  that  merits  careful  consideration  of  a 
larger  number  of  Railroad  Associations.  Hikes, 
gardening,  and  baseball  are  included  in  the  program 
that  has  passed  the  experimental  stage. 

When  any  Railroad  Association  gives  prelimi- 
nary consideration  to  the  general  question  of  boys' 
work,  care  should  be  exercised  lest  this  feature  be- 
come a  tangent  taking  the  attention  of  the  Associ- 
ation from  the  work  for  which  it  is  primarily  re- 
sponsible to  its  members  and  the  railroad  company, 
and  for  which  its  equipment  has  been  secured  and 
adapted.  The  first  step  toward  launching  a  success- 
ful boys'  work  program  is  to  make  sure  that  the 
established  work  among  railroad  men  is  on  a  sane 
and  successful  basis.  Then  if  the  effort  among 
boys  is  promoted  intelligently,  it  will  tend  to 
strengthen  the  original  work  among  men  instead  of 
detracting  from  it. 

III.     Duties  of  the  Boys'  Work  Committee 

1.  Make  sure  that  any  proposed  program  for 
work  among  boys  is  a  natural  outgrowth  of  success- 
ful operating  methods  of  work  among  railroad  men. 
Avoid  the  danger  of  boys'  work  detracting  rather 
than  adding  to  the  success  of  the  work  among  men. 

2.  Few  men,  if  any,  could  accept  appointment  on 
the  Boys'  Committee  with  that  degree  of  intelli- 
gence about  the  needs  and  possibilities  of  boys'  work 


i62  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

which  must  be  secured  at  the  cost  of  much  time 
and  effort.  Members  of  the  Committee  will  find 
it  necessary  to  grow  into  usefulness  on  the  Com- 
mittee rather  than  to  be  useful  by  putting  into  prac- 
tice pre-conceived  ideas.  Therefore,  an  intelligent 
study  of  the  boy  life  of  the  community,  and  how 
the  Association  can  relate  itself  to  the  boys,  becomes 
one  of  the  first  duties  of  this  Committee. 

3.  It  is  essential  to  keep  the  President  and  Gen- 
eral Secretary  fully  advised  of  all  plans,  through 
the  Boys'  Secretary,  where  one  exists. 

4.  Secure  the  approval  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
for  the  committee's  proposed  program  in  general, 
and  for  those  features  in  particular  which  might 
have  a  direct  bearing  upon  other  activities  of  the 
Association. 

5.  Hold  committee  meetings  regularly,  for  exam- 
ple, on  a  given  date  each  month,  having  present,  if 
possible,  the  President,  General  Secretary,  and  any 
additional  member  of  the  staff  who  has  special  rela- 
tion to  the  boys. 

6.  Through  Chairman  of  Committee,  render 
written  report  each  month  to  the  Board  of  Directors. 


XIII 

SPECIAL  GROUPS 


CHAPTER  XIII 
SPECIAL  GROUPS 

In  addition  to  the  work  of  the  Railroad  Associa- 
tion as  outHned  in  the  preceding  chapters,  there  are 
other  opportunities  challenging  the  Railroad  Depart- 
ment. Much  of  the  service  in  these  additional 
fields  must  be  in  the  form  of  ''  Extension  "  from  the 
regularly  equipped  Associations. 

I.     Foreign  Speaking  Railroad  Men 

In  the  chapter  on  Educational  Work,  mention  is 
made  of  classes  for  teaching  English  to  foreigners. 
Much  has  been  accomplished  in  this  work  and  many 
Associations  have  demonstrated  that  it  has  almost 
unlimited  possibilities.  In  addition  to  regular  class 
work  in  language  study,  it  is  easy  to  interest  these 
men  in  lectures,  especially  if  illustrated,  on  History, 
Biography,  Travel,  Citizenship,  Patriotism,  Health, 
First  Aid  to  the  Injured,  and  other  subjects.  By 
much  the  same  method  these  men  may  be  helped 
religiously  and  morally  through  Bible  classes.  Gos- 
pel talks,  and  by  the  personal  example  and  conver- 
sation of  their  instructor.     Also  they  may  be  helped 

165 


i66  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

socially  and  physically  by  entertainment  and  recre- 
ative games.  The  idea  of  physical  recreation 
through  games  and  play  is  new  to  most  of  them, 
and  to  teach  them  our  American  games  is  a  most 
worthy  achievement  that  is  easily  possible.  It  may 
be  unwise  to  bring  these  men  to  Railroad  Associa- 
tion buildings,  but  the  Association  can  find  ample 
opportunity  to  serve  them  wherever  they  may  be 
gathered  in  groups  at  the  noon-hour  and  in  the 
evening.  These  men  show  real  appreciation  of  un- 
selfish service  given  under  the  Association  manage- 
ment. 

II.     Colored  Railroad  Men 

Every  argument  for  the  Railroad  Association 
among  white  railroad  employees  can  be  advanced 
with  equal,  and  sometimes  greater  emphasis,  for  col- 
ored railroad  men.  A  study  of  the  living  condi- 
tions into  which  they  are  forced  by  the  circum- 
stances of  their  work  is  convincing  of  their  need. 
A  larger  number  of  colored  men  is  employed  by 
the  railroads  than  in  any  other  organized  industry. 
More  than  128,000  of  them  are  employed  on  steam 
railroads,  of  whom  15,000  are  porters,  including 
7,500  Pullman  employees;  15,000  are  section  hands, 
and  70,000  are  laborers.  Special  meetings  of  in- 
struction and  uplift  have  been  held  with  marked 
success  for  Pullman  porters  in  the  colored  Young 
Men's  Christian  Associations  in  Chicago,   Kansas 


SPECIAL  GROUPS  167 

City,  and  other  points.  One  Railroad  Association 
for  colored  employees  is  operating  successfully  at 
Bluefield,  West  Virginia.  If  suitable  equipment 
could  be  provided,  there  are  a  number  of  terminals 
where  successful  work  should  be  done  among  col- 
ored railroad  men,  equal  in  value  to  that  being  done 
among  white  employees.  Many  earnest  Christian 
men  may  be  found  among  the  colored  employees 
who  are  capable  of  directing  the  affairs  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. 

III.     Street  Railway  Men 

Perhaps  the  largest  single  group  of  transporta- 
tion employees  not  yet  reached  in  any  large  way  by 
the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  are  the  men 
employed  in  street  railway  service.  The  number  of 
conductors  and  motormen  alone,  in  cities  operating 
more  than  fifty  cars,  is  estimated  at  more  than 
133,000.  The  number  of  traction  employees  is  in- 
creasing rapidly  because  of  the  extension  of  both 
city  and  interurban  lines.  These  men  are  responsi- 
ble for  the  safe  transportation  of  a  much  greater 
number  of  passengers  than  travel  on  our  steam  rail- 
ways. Their  ranks  are  recruited  chiefly  from 
young  men  from  the  country,  and  it  is  not  excep- 
tional to  find  cities  where  eighty  per  cent  of  the  con- 
ductors and  motormen  have  received  their  first  city 
employment  from  the  street  railway  company. 
These  men,  while  yet  inexperienced  in  city  life  and 


i68  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

its  temptations,  gladly  welcome  helpful  counsel  and 
are  easily  influenced.  They  constitute  one  of  the 
most  needy  and,  at  the  same  time,  fruitful  fields  yet 
encountered  by  the  Association.  Traction  compa- 
nies are  rapidly  enlarging  their  interest  in  welfare 
work,  and  the  field  is  open  to  occupation  by  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  Street  rail- 
way departments  of  the  Association  have  been  or- 
ganized in  several  cities  and  the  experiment  has 
demonstrated  attractive  possibilities.  The  best 
methods  for  this  work  may  be  somewhat  different 
from  the  regularly  established  methods  on  steam 
roads,  but  the  need  and  opportunity  is  similar  and 
can  be  met  successfully  with  suitable  equipment, 
regular  support,  and  trained  secretaries.  In  addi- 
tion to  regularly  organized  street  railway  depart- 
ments, the  city  Association  must  necessarily  carry 
on  a  large  portion  of  the  work  among  street  rail- 
way employees,  if  it  is  to  be  done.  Some  notable 
examples  exist  where  the  city  Association  is  given 
all  that  can  be  desired  in  opportunity  by  ready  con- 
tact with  the  men  without  the  responsibility  and  an- 
noyance of  equipment  and  complicated  organization. 

IV.     Railroad  Construction  Camps 

The  missionary  program  of  the  Railroad  Depart- 
ment in  recent  years  has  produced  many  stories  of 
Christian  heroism  in  construction  camps  on  the 
frontier.     These  burly  workmen,  *'  shipped  ''  to  the 


SPECIAL  GROUPS  169 

Northwest,  experience  isolation  and  monotony  to 
the  point  of  distraction.  Perhaps  no  group  of  men 
welcome  more  genuinely  the  coming  of  an  Associa- 
tion secretary,  whose  equipment  may  be  only  some 
reading  material,  a  talking  machine,  and  a  winning 
personality  that  shines  forth  from  mature  Christian 
character.  Sometimes  in  addition,  he  may  have  a 
room  or  tent,  an  old  box  car  or  passenger  coach 
fitted  up  with  stereopticon,  checkers,  pool  table,  fold- 
ing organ,  and  a  first-aid  kit.  He  breaks  the  monot- 
ony by  promoting  entertainment  and  recreation. 
The  men  usually  demand  that  the  program  include 
a  Gospel  talk.  The  rough  experiences  of  these  men 
have  taught  them  their  need  for  character-building 
influences.  No  one  can  so  readily  and  successfully 
meet  these  conditions  as  the  experienced  railroad 
secretary.  The  camps  have  often  been  considered 
legitimate  prey  for  the  agents  of  vice.  Contractors 
have  learned  from  experience  that  it  pays  to  have 
the  Association  help  the  men  fight  for  decent  living. 
The  opportunity  for  unselfish  service  in  these  camps 
is  worthy  of  the  best  talent  and  energy  to  be  found 
in  the  Secretarial  Brotherhood. 

V.     The  City  Association  in   Railroad  Com- 
munities NOT  Served  by  the  Railroad 
Association 

City  Associations  are  rapidly  enlarging  their  pro- 
gram of  extension  activities  among  groups  of  men 


170  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

not  reached  largely  by  the  service  within  the  Asso- 
ciation building.  This  is  especially  true  among 
railroad  men,  and  particularly  of  those  in  the  shops. 
This  service  constitutes  not  only  noon-day  Gospel 
meetings  and  Bible  classes,  as  originally,  but  has 
grown  rapidly  in  the  form  of  social  and  educational 
activities,  and  in  some  instances  in  physical  uplift 
through  recreative  games.  Groups  of  railroad  men 
often  constitute  the  most  accessible  opportunity  for 
City  Association  extension.  In  addition  to  exten- 
sion work  several  City  Associations  have  experi- 
mented successfully  with  occasional  *'  Open-House 
Evenings ''  for  railroad  men,  usually  inviting  the 
families  also.  Where  conditions  permit  the  setting 
aside  of  a  room  in  the  City  Association  building 
for  the  exclusive  club  use  of  railroad  men,  this  has 
been  found  to  possess  large  possibilities.  Experi- 
ence, however,  has  demonstrated  that  it  is  unwise 
for  a  City  Association  to  expect  financial  support 
from  the  railroad  company  to  cover  the  expense  of 
this  work,  for  these  reasons:  (a)  Such  appropri- 
ations are  necessarily  small,  and  frequently  stand 
in  the  way  of  large  appropriations  from  the  rail- 
road companies  toward  the  establishing  and  main- 
taining of  regular  Railroad  Associations,  (b)  It 
is  not  usually  possible  to  do  a  work  permanently 
which  the  company  will  consider  as  a  fair  equiva- 
lent for  the  money  invested,     (c)  It  is  the  general 


SPECIAL  GROUPS  171 

conviction  of  Association  leaders  that  the  interests 
of  the  whole  Association  movement  are  best  served 
by  limiting  the  appeals  to  the  railroad  companies  to 
requests  for  the  support  of  regular  Railroad  Asso- 
ciation work. 

VI.     Yard  Men 

Where  transfer  yards  are  located  far  from  the 
Railroad  Association  building  it  is  often  found  im- 
possible to  secure  many  of  these  men  as  members, 
or  to  attract  them  to  the  building.  However,  they 
are  within  the  influence  and  reach  of  the  Associa- 
tion and  should  be  considered  a  definite  part  of  its 
field.  Ways  may  be  found  for  promoting  Bible 
classes.  Gospel  talks,  and  educational  talks  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  yards,  especially  if  a  stereopticon  can 
be  used  in  connection  with  this  work.  Much  organ- 
ized religious  and  social  promotion  is  possible  also 
in  the  homes  of  these  men. 

Office  Men 

Not  infrequently  the  office  employees  are  not  ac- 
cessible to,  or  attracted  to,  either  the  Railroad  or 
City  Association,  and  often  are  overlooked  entirely 
by  the  Railroad  Department  that  is  located  prima- 
rily for  the  convenience  of  men  in  freight  train  ser- 
vice and  in  the  shops.  Many  forms  of  service  are 
welcomed  by  the  office  men;  and  some  forms  of  the 


172  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

work  that  are  most  readily  promoted  are  health 
talks,  general  education,  and  practical  talks,  Gospel 
talks,  Bible  classes,  and  the  promotion  of  social  ac- 
tivities. 


XIV 

BUILDING,  EQUIPMENT  AND 
MAINTENANCE 


CHAPTER  XIV 

BUILDING,  EQUIPMENT  AND 
MAINTENANCE 

The  first  essential  to  a  permanent  and  successful 
Railroad  Association  is  a  well  planned  and  care- 
fully constructed  building  adapted  to  the  require- 
ments of  modern  Association  needs.  This  should 
preferably  be  of  brick  construction  and  as  near  as 
possible  fire  proof;  the  location  should  be  convenient 
for  the  men  in  train,  engine,  shop,  and  yard  service, 
and  though  this  location  is  sometimes  determined 
by  the  railroad  company's  provision  of  a  site  near 
the  right  of  way,  yet  it  is  very  important  to  have 
the  building  situated  so  that  the  prevailing  winds 
will  carry  the  smoke,  dirt,  and  noise  away  from 
rather  than  toward  the  building. 

The  best  plan,  all  things  being  equal,  is  for  the 
Association  to  own  its  building  site;  where  the 
site  is  furnished  by  the  railroad  company  it  is  cus- 
tomary for  the  Association  to  secure  a  long  term 
lease  at  a  nominal  rental,  or  in  case  the  department 
is  provisional  the  lease  is  given  usually  to  one  of  the 
supervisory  agencies. 

175 


176  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 


I.     How  Buildings  Are  Secured 

1.  The  railroad  company  offers  to  contribute  a 
definite  amount  —  usually  one-half  to  two-thirds  — 
toward  the  cost  of  building  and  equipment,  on  con- 
dition that  the  remainder  be  raised  in  local  subscrip- 
tions among  the  railroad  men  and  their  friends. 
This  secures  cooperation  between  the  company  and 
its  employees  and  insures  mutual  interest  in  a  help- 
ful way  which  makes  this  usually  the  most  desirable 
plan. 

In  a  few  instances  the  railroad  men  and  citizens 
of  the  community  have  made  provision  for  the  build- 
ing through  subscriptions  and  voluntary  contribu- 
tions without  any  financial  assistance  from  the  rail- 
road company. 

2.  Some  railroad  companies  prefer  to  erect  and 
equip  the  building  at  their  own  expense,  seeking  co- 
operation of  the  Association  in  preparing  suitable 
plans,  and  then  to  turn  it  over  to  the  Railroad  Asso- 
ciation to  operate.  In  such  cases,  the  company 
usually  expects  the  Association  to  renew  the  fur- 
nishings, as  needed. 

3.  In  some  special  cases  generous  friends  of  rail- 
road men  have  built  and  equipped  the  building  com- 
plete and  given  it  over  to  the  use  of  the  Railroad 
Association. 


BUILDINGS  177 

11.     Features  Essential  in  a  Building 

1.  Porch  and  Entrance 

First  impressions  count  for  much.  Wherever 
possible,  every  Association  should  have  at  least  one 
porch,  ten  to  fifteen  feet  in  depth  and  of  a  reason- 
able length.  An  additional  porch,  located  at  the 
side  or  rear  of  the  building  is  desirable.  The  porch, 
or  porches,  should  be  inclosed  where  the  winters  are 
severe,  and  screened  where  mosquitoes  are  trouble- 
some. The  building  material  should  be  of  other 
than  wood  and  there  should  be  a  foot-rail  on  each 
porch.  The  entrance  to  the  building,  whether  from 
a  porch  or  directly  from  the  street,  should  be  such 
as  would  attract  the  eye,  and  give  a  wholesome  im- 
pression to  the  observer. 

2.  Lobby 

Too  much  thought  and  attention  cannot  be  given 
to  this  most  important  part  of  any  building,  for 
from  it  radiates  the  various  activities  of  the  Asso- 
ciation. It  should  be  spacious,  and  obstructed  by 
as  few  supporting  posts  as  possible.  Light  and  ven- 
tilation, both  natural  and  artificial,  should  be  care- 
fully planned  for.  An  open  fireplace  is  very  desir- 
able, and  will  do  much  to  make  the  room  attractive 
during  the  winter  months.  It  is  well  to  have  the 
general  administration  office  face  the  entrance  and 
this  should  be  arranged  to  harmonize  with  the  char- 


178  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

acteristics  of  the  lobby.  A  floor  covering  of  cork 
linoleum  deadens  the  noise  and  beautifies  the  room. 
Appropriate  pictures  add  much  to  the  attractiveness 
of  this  part  of  the  building.  A  check  room  should 
adjoin  the  office. 

3.  Reading  Room  and  Library 

These  rooms  should  be  planned  with  a  relation  to 
plenty  of  light  for  both  day  and  night.  They 
should  be  located  on  the  main  floor.  Noise  eliminat- 
ing devices  should  be  used,  wall  tints  and  pictures 
should  be  appropriate  and  cheerful.  The  furniture 
should  be  both  durable  and  attractive  and  ample 
provision  should  be  made  for  bookcases,  paper  files, 
and  covers  provided  for  all  magazines.  Tables  for 
correspondence  should  be  placed  in  the  reading 
room. 

4.  Game  Room 

This  room,  being  used  the  most  constantly  of  any 
in  the  building,  should  be  large,  easily  accessible, 
well  lighted,  ventilated  and  furnished.  Such  games 
as  chess,  checkers  and  dominoes,  as  well  as  bil- 
liards, should  be  provided.  The  furniture  should 
be  strong  and  durable  as  well  as  attractive,  and  spe- 
cial attention  should  be  given  to  keeping  both  room 
and  equipment  in  first-class  condition,  to  continually 
attract  and  interest  the  men. 


BUILDINGS  179 

5.  Secretary's  Office 

For  private  conference  the  secretary,  in  Associa- 
tions where  the  number  of  associates  will  permit, 
should  have  his  office  in  the  room  used  for  board 
and  class  meetings.  The  best  plan  is  for  the  secre- 
tary to  have  a  desk  in  the  business  office  and,  as  far 
as  possible,  carry  on  his  work  there. 

6.  Dining  Room  and  Kitchen  (See  Chapter  XI) 

7.  Bowling  Alleys 

The  bowling  alleys  are  generally  placed  in  the 
basement,  and  should  be  in  charge  of  a  competent 
attendant.  To  hold  the  interest  of  the  men,  the 
equipment  in  this  department  must  be  kept,  at  all 
times,  in  the  very  best  condition.  Regulation  alleys 
with  automatic  pin  setters  are  desired  in  every  in- 
stance. 

8.  Toilet  and  Bathroom 

Close  to  the  foot  of  the  stairs  and  under  the  super- 
vision of  an  attendant  should  be  washrooms,  toilets, 
and  baths.  Tile,  terranza,  marble,  or  materials  of 
like  nature  should,  in  every  case,  be  used  in  con- 
struction. Untiring  effort  should  be  made  to  keep 
these  rooms  in  the  most  perfect  condition.  In  re- 
placing old  or  discarded  outfits,  the  most  modern 
equipment  should  be  used.  It  is  folly  to  cut  the  ex- 
pense too  much  in  this  part  of  the  building.     In 


i8o  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

every  case  open  or  exposed  plumbing  should  be  in- 
sisted upon.  A  room  for  lockers  should  adjoin  the 
wash  and  bath  rooms;  and,  in  many  Associations, 
a  barber  shop,  a  shoe  shining  stand,  and  pressing 
facilities  may  be  additional  useful  features. 

9.  Dormitory 

There  is  a  constantly  increasing  demand  by 
railroad  men  for  better  sleeping  quarters,  even  at  a 
higher  cost  to  them.  Bedrooms  should  each  have 
an  outside  window,  and  should  open  into  halls  lead- 
ing to  stairs  and  fire  exits  from,  which  should  ex- 
tend iron  fire  escapes.  Steam  heat  and  electric 
light  should  be  in  every  room.  The  equipment  may 
consist  in  certain  cases  of  simply  a  bed,  chair,  and 
stand  for  the  men  using  the  room  for  just  a  few 
hours;  while  in  others  there  should  be  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  a  modern  hotel  where  the  Associations 
have  to  take  care  of  men  who  make  it  a  permanent 
home.  There  should  be  placed  on  each  dormitory 
floor  a  wash  room,  toilet,  and  shower  baths. 

10.  Educational  Class  Rooms 

In  so  far  as  possible  rooms  should  be  set  aside  for 
educational  class  work.  The  number  of  rooms  and 
the  equipment  of  the  same  will  be  determined  by  the 
field,  and  by  the  character  of  the  work  to  be  carried 
on.  These  same  rooms  can  be  used  for  group 
Bible  classes  and,  where  folding  partitions  are  used, 


BUILDINGS  i8i 

can  all  be  thrown  in  one  room  and  serve  as  an  as- 
sembly hall. 

11.  Storage  and  Linen  Rooms 

There  should  be  provision  made  in  every  building 
for  storage  and  linen  rooms.  These  rooms  should 
not  be  tucked  off  into  some  dark,  inaccessible  place 
but  should  be  conveniently  located,  of  ample  propor- 
tions, and  provided  with  plenty  of  shelf  and  rack 
room. 

12.  Gymnasium 

Where  an  Association  is  to  have  a  gymnasium 
it  would  be  preferable  to  have  it  placed  at  the  side 
of  the  main  building  with  a  close  connection  between 
it  and  bath  and  locker  rooms.  It  is  imperative  in 
Railroad  Associations  to  keep  the  noise  originating 
in  the  physical  department  from  disturbing  the  men 
using  the  dormitory  privileges. 

13.  Extra  Room^ 

In  every  Association  there  should  be  an  extra 
room,  near  to,  but  separated  from  the  dormitory 
proper.  This  room,  fitted  with  easy  chairs,  a  large 
davenport,  table,  and  rugs,  will  serve  as  a  room  for 
the  Auxiliary  or  Woman's  Committee  room.  Con- 
nected with  this  room  should  be  toilet  and  lavatory 
facilities.  This  room  can  also  serve  as  a  hospital 
in  case  of  sickness  and  as  a  guest  room  when  needed 
for  that  purpose. 


i82  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

III.     Care  of  the  Building 

Next  to  securing  the  best  possible  equipment, 
there  is  nothing  more  important  than  to  have  effi- 
cient janitor  service.  No  matter  how  small  or  large 
the  quarters,  this  problem  must  he  effectively  dealt 
zvith;  the  Association  that  neglects  it  will  fail  to 
reach  the  standard  required. 

To  get  good  janitor  service  it  is  necessary  first  of 
all  to  pay  wages  large  enough  to  interest  and  hold 
competent  men  —  men  who  have  all  their  faculties, 
are  neat  in  their  personal  appearance,  know  how  to 
do  cleaning,  are  willing  to  receive  instructions,  and 
will  take  pride  in  the  work  assigned  them. 

There  should  be  made  a  detailed  list  of  every 
item  of  work  necessary  for  the  upkeep  of  the  build- 
ing; find  out  how  long  it  takes  to  do  it,  show  how 
this  work  is  to  be  done,  specify  who  is  to  do  it,  how 
often  it  is  to  be  done,  giving  to  each  employee  from 
secretary  down  a  written  schedule  of  his  hours  on 
duty  and  as  far  as  possible  every  item  of  work  re- 
quired of  him,  holding  that  employee  directly  re- 
sponsible for  the  work  assigned. 

Example 

Schedule  Janitor  No.  i 

Look  after  the  boiler  room  and  accessories. 
Mop  all  linoleum  on  main  floor  every  morning. 


BUILDINGS  183 

Sweep  and  dust  main  floor  as  often  as  it  is  neces- 
sary. 

Weather  permitting,  put  hose  on  piazza  every  day. 

Clean  all  windows  and  glass  on  main  floor  Thurs- 
days. 

Clean  and  polish  all  cuspidors  and  brass  daily. 

Take  care  of  bowling  alleys  and  equipment. 

Be  responsible  for  the  store  room,  tools,  and  sup- 
plies. 

Repair  windows,  fixtures,  furniture,  etc. 

Pack  faucets,  valves,  and  regulate  steam  and 
water. 

Rake  premises  and  keep  boxes  and  cans  in  order. 

See  that  fire  pails  are  kept  filled  with  water. 

Substitute  and  help  elsewhere  when  needed. 

Hours  on  Duty 

A.  M.  P.  M.  Night 

Sunday    7  a.  m.  to  12  m. —         off  —         off 

Monday    7  a.  m  to  11 130 — i  p.  m.  to  5 130—7  p.  m.  to  10 

Tuesday    7  a.  m.  to  11 130 — i  p.  m.  to  6      —         off 

Wednesday    .  .7  a.  m.  to  11 130 — i  p.  m.  to  5 130 — 7  p.  m.  to  10 

Thursday 7  a.  m.  to  11 130 — i.p.  m.  to  6      —         off 

Friday     7. a.  m.  to  12  m. —         off  — y  p.  m.  to  10 

Saturday    7  a.  M.  to  11 130 — i  p.  m.  to  6      — 7  p.  m.  to  11 

IV.     Sanitary  Suggestions 
I.  General  Suggestions 

The  great  importance  of  proper  attention  to  sani- 
tary conditions  is  more  fully  realized  now  than  in 


i84  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

times  past.  Every  precaution  must  be  taken  to  in- 
sure against  Association  buildings  being  disease  dis- 
seminators. 

Every  part  of  the  building  should  be  well  lighted 
by  day  and  night,  thoroughly  supplied  with  an  abun- 
dance of  fresh  cool  air,  and  well  heated  by  steam 
or  hot  coils.  A  sanitary  bubbling  fountain  should 
be  placed  on  each  floor.  All  water  used  for  cleans- 
ing purposes  should  be  treated  with  a  satisfactory 
antiseptic. 

Adequate  toilet  facilities  should  be  provided, 
preferably  in  the  basement.  A  suite  of  three  rooms 
consisting  of  a  wash,  toilet,  and  bath  room  best  cares 
for  these  features.  The  roller  towel  and  common 
cake  soap,  as  well  as  combs  and  brushes,  have  been 
universally  condemned  because  of  their  unsanitary 
possibility.  Individual  towels  and  cake  soap  are 
substituted.  Recessed  and  depressed  urinals  and 
horseshoe  sanitary  seats  are  considered  superior  to 
all  other  patterns.  Tub  baths  are  passed  because 
they  have  proven  unhygienic.  They  have  been  re- 
placed by  a  modem  type  of  shower  bath.  A  super- 
abundance of  hot  water  is  very  desirable  to  make 
certain  that  every  man  has  all  the  encouragement  he 
needs  to  keep  himself  clean.  The  barber's  various 
instruments  are  kept  absolutely  sterile  so  that  the 
Association  can  truthfully  advertise  an  **  Aseptic 
Shop.*'     Low  round  cuspidors  with  removable  tops 


r 


BUILDINGS  185 


should  be  placed  conveniently  about  the  building. 
At  least  daily  antiseptic  cleansing  is  essential. 

2.  Restaurant  (See  Chapter  XI) 

3.  Dormitories 

The  dormitories  are  located  in  the  quietest  part 
of  the  building.  Individual  rooms  have  proved  the 
most  satisfactory  arrangement.  Each  room  has  a 
window,  radiator,  door,  and  transom.  The  bed  is 
supplied  with  a  durable  and  comfortable  spring  and 
mattress,  the  latter  being  enclosed  in  a  drill  cover- 
ing for  sanitary  reasons.  For  the  same  reason 
woolen  blankets  are  replacing  cotton,  and  a  third 
sheet  has  taken  the  place  of  counterpanes  or  quilts. 
Mattresses  are  periodically  given  an  air  and  sun 
bath.  Hard  plaster  walls  and  cement  floors  with  a 
sanitary  base  are  very  desirable.  Bed  bugs  should 
never  be  permitted  to  breed.  Drastic  measures  are 
to  be  taken  at  the  first  indication  of  their  arrival. 
Clean  fresh  bed  linen  is  provided  for  each  person, 
also  a  clean  Turkish  towel  and  new  cake  of  soap. 
A  suite  of  three  rooms  for  toilet  facilities  is  essen- 
tial on  each  dormitory  floor  with  the  same  general 
arrangement  as  in  the  basement. 

V.     Fire 

Every  precaution  should  be  taken  to  prevent  fire 
or  to  extinguish  any  blaze  that  might  start.     Good 


i86  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

quality  extinguishers  should  be  freely  distributed 
around  the  building.  A  stand  pipe  with  frequently 
tested  hoses  will  be  located  on  each  floor.  Strong 
electrical  alarm  bells  will  be  provided  and  arrows 
and  red  lights  will  point  the  way  to  fire  escapes. 
No  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  will  fail  to 
protect  the  men  who  intrust  their  lives  to  its  care 
while  they  sleep.  The  Association  staff,  both  the 
day  and  the  night  group,  should  be  thoroughly  in- 
structed in  the  respective  duties  of  each  person  in 
case  of  fire.  Frequent  drills  are  very  desirable.  It 
will  always  be  remembered  that  lives  have  greater 
value  than  money  or  property. 

VI.     Repair  Fund 

A  repair  and  furnishing  fund  should  be  set  aside 
from  the  current  income  from  the  time  the  building 
is  occupied,  to  meet  necessary  repairs,  provide  for 
emergencies,  and  replace  equipment  as  required. 
This  should  be  in  addition  to  the  repairs  which  may 
be  secured  from  the  Railroad  Company.  Many  As- 
sociations have  been  forced  into  debt,  when  repairs 
became  necessary,  because  of  failure  to  recognize 
the  importance  of  providing  such  a  fund.  Two 
and  one-half  per  cent  of  the  gross  income  should  be 
set  aside  for  this  fund.  It  should  be  deposited  in 
the  interest  department  of  the  bank  each  month  as 
part  of  the  expense.  This  fund  should  be  divided 
into  two  parts  as  follows : 


BUILDINGS  187 

1 .  Petty  Fund 

This  should  cover  all  minor  repairs  such  as  leaks 
in  the  plumbing,  broken  furniture,  window  panes, 
etc.,  etc. 

2.  Permanent  Fund 

Sometimes  the  boiler  burns  out,  the  building 
needs  painting  or  new  plumbing,  etc.,  should  be 
taken  care  of  under  this  fund. 


XV 
THE  RAILROAD  COMPANY 


CHAPTER  XV 
THE  RAILROAD  COMPANY 

I.     The  Association  and  Corporate 
Support 

The  moral  and  financial  support  of  the  Railroad 
Company  is  considered  essential  to  the  work  of  the 
organization  as  now  conducted.  No  Railroad  As- 
sociation has  continuously  done  or  is  doing  efficient 
work  without  corporate  support.  Some  have  been 
organized  in  the  past  and  have  existed  for  a  time 
without  any  cooperation  from  the  Railroad  Com- 
pany but  sooner  or  later  they  have  declined  and  died. 
Such  appropriations  are  usually  granted  as  a  supple- 
ment to  membership  fees  because  ( i )  the  organiza- 
tion is  one  of  the  employed  and  employers;  (2)  ex- 
perience has  shown  that  no  permanent  work  can  be 
done  without  such  help;  (3)  the  results  obtained 
by  the  Association  are  usually  more  than  commen- 
surate with  the  assistance  given;  (4)  because  rail- 
road managers  believe  the  support  given  in  this  di- 
rection is  a  vital  help  in  the  successful  and  economi- 
cal operation  of  the  railroad  and  is  a  legitimate  part 
of  its  operating  expense. 

191 


192  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

The  corporation  usually  supplements  what  can  be 
secured  locally  with  a  sum  sufficient  to  provide  ade- 
quate equipment.  Toward  operating  expense,  the 
average  company  appropriation  is  the  salary  of  the 
secretary  and  the  necessary  fuel,  light,  and  water. 
This  provides  for  about  forty  per  cent  of  the  bud- 
get, the  remaining  sixty  per  cent  being  covered 
through  membership  dues,  fees,  and  local  contribu- 
tions. 


II.     The  Place  of  the  Railroad  Company 

While  the  railroad  corporations  are  contributing 
to  the  Association,  they  do  not  undertake  to  direct 
or  control  the  Associations,  or  to  suggest  forms  of 
work  that  shall  be  undertaken  or  abandoned. 
Rarely  has  a  railroad  company  raised  objection  to 
the  religious  basis  or  the  forms  of  Christian  work 
done,  but  on  the  other  hand  all  have  been  perfectly 
willing  that  the  Associations  should  conduct  their 
work  in  all  departments  as  the  experience  and  wis- 
dom of  the  Association  leaders  suggest. 

Railroad  officers  frequently  offer  practical  sug- 
gestions about  the  care,  arrangement,  and  mainten- 
ance of  the  buildings;  but  in  the  plans  for  organiza- 
tion and  in  the  conduct  of  the  work  their  only  re- 
quirement is  that  these  plans  be  on  such  a  basis  as  to 
furnish  adequate  return  for  the  investment  the  cor- 
poration is  making. 


THE  RAILROAD  COMPANY  193 

III.     The  Secretary  and  the  Railroad 
Official 

The  railroad  secretary  as  the  executive  officer  of 
the  Association  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  will 
naturally  come  into  contact  with  the  officials  of  the 
company,  at  terminal  points  possibly  more  than  at 
remote  division  points.  He  should  endeavor  al- 
ways to  secure  the  personal  interest  and  hearty  sup- 
port of  the  officials.  He  may  do  this  by  his  sympa- 
thetic, genuine  interest  in  them ;  by  his  business-like 
management  of  the  affairs  of  the  Association;  by 
his  promptness  and  accuracy  in  furnishing  the  of- 
ficials with  reports  of  the  work;  by  his  manly  bear- 
ing and  honest  straightforward  dealing  with  of- 
ficials and  with  their  assistants.  He  should  avoid 
patronizing  or  showing  favoritism.  This  will  be 
discovered  and  injure  his  influence.  On  the  other 
hand,  he  should  not  neglect  or  avoid  the  officials 
because  of  timidity  or  false  modesty  or  because  they 
may  sometimes  over-awe  him  by  their  positions  or 
demeanor.  The  secretary  who  is  wise  will  seek  to 
secure  the  best  interest  and  largest  assistance  from 
the  railroad  officials  in  his  community. 

IV.     Obligations  to  the  Railroad 
Company 

Since  the  railroad  appropriations  have  been  se- 
cured upon  the  representation  that  the  Railroad  As- 


194  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

sociation,  if  thus  financially  aided,  could  render 
definite  service  to  the  corporations,  these  corpora- 
tions rightfully  demand  that  these  expectations  shall 
be  realized.     This  will  involve : 

(i)  The  opening  of  a  comfortable,  attractive, 
accessible  building  as  a  place  of  resort  for  railroad 
men.  The  conduct  of  the  work  should  be  such  that 
all  classes  will  be  encouraged  not  only  to  make  use 
of  the  Association  privileges  but  to  render  efficient 
service  in  the  Association.  Railroad  officials  are 
justly  particular  regarding  cleanliness,  and  no  ex- 
cuse can  be  offered  for  a  poorly  kept  building. 
The  housekeeping  must  be  first-class  if  the  work  is 
to  command  the  respect  of  railroad  officials  and 
railroad  men. 

(2)  The  expenditure  of  all  moneys  appropriated 
for  the  definite  purpose  for  which  the  money  has 
been  given. 

(3)  Accuracy  and  promptness  in  furnishing  sta- 
tistical and  financial  reports  are  necessary  and  may 
rightly  be  required.  A  secretary  should  so  keep  his 
books  as  to  be  able  to  furnish  an  intelligent  report 
at  any  time  and  should  regularly,  at  the  close  of 
each  month,  submit  a  carefully  prepared  and  accu- 
rate report  to  the  railroad  officials  directly  inter- 
ested, to  the  International  and  State  Committees, 
and  in  case  of  departments  to  the  central  Board. 
On  many  large  systems  where  there  are  several  As- 
sociations the  reports  from  the  different  Associa- 


THE  RAILROAD  COMPANY  195 

tions  are  combined  by  the  International  Committee 
each  month  into  a  system  report  and  sent  to  the 
railroad  officials. 

(4)  The  Associations  should  cooperate  with  the 
railroad  companies  in  the  safety  first,  efficiency  and 
economy,  and  other  movements  for  the  welfare  of 
the  company  and  the  employees. 

V.     The  Association  in  Times  of  Strike 

It  is  earnestly  hoped  that  the  days  of  the  rail- 
road strike  are  over.  The  interests  of  the  company 
and  the  men  are  closely  identified,  and  their  rela- 
tions for  the  past  decade  have  been  sufficiently  har- 
monious to  justify  this  hope.  Experience  has 
shown  that  there  is  always  a  common  meeting 
ground,  and  the  leadership  on  both  sides  is  so  in- 
telligent as  to  afford  cause  for  optimism;  but  there 
will  probably  always  be  minor  disturbances,  and  at 
such  times  the  neutrality  of  the  Association  should 
be  strictly  respected.  The  Associations  have  a 
right  to  expect  the  fullest  consideration  of  their 
position.  By  this  is  meant  that  the  Association  is 
cooperative,  and  should  never  be  dominated  by 
either  the  company  or  the  men  against  the  interests 
of  the  other.  To  side  with  either  party  in  such  a 
controversy  would  involve  disloyalty  to  the  other. 
Both  sides  should  recognize  this,  and  should  never 
ask  the  Association  to  become  either  positively  or 
negatively  a  party  to  the  dispute.     Such  controver- 


196  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

sies  are  generally  short-lived  and  should  not  be  al- 
lowed to  mar  the  future  usefulness  of  the  Associa- 
tion. When  labor  disturbances  portend  a  strike  the 
secretary  of  the  Association  or  one  of  the  railroad 
secretaries  of  the  International  or  a  representative 
of  the  State  Committee  should  immediately  see  the 
proper  operating  official  of  the  railroad  company, 
and  endeavor  to  secure  their  hearty  approval  to  the 
strictest  neutrality  on  the  part  of  the  Association. 
The  attitude  of  the  secretary  himself  must  also  be 
strictly  neutral. 

VI.     The  Association  and  Receiverships 

When  receivers  take  charge  of  a  railroad,  one  of 
their  first  duties  is  to  cut  off  every  item  of  expense 
that  cannot  be  defended  as  absolutely  necessary. 
Economy  is  the  watchword  and  it  is  rigidly  en- 
forced. Naturally  the  appropriations  to  the  Asso- 
ciations receive  prompt  consideration  and  a  legal 
basis  for  these  contributions  must  be  established. 
The  superficial  judgment  of  the  receiver  at  the  out- 
set is  liable  to  be  that  they  cannot  be  legally  con- 
tinued, but  a  mature  consideration  of  the  question 
on  a  presentation  of  the  arguments  in  favor  of  their 
continuance  has  always  brought  the  approval  of  the 
courts  with  the  hearty  recommendation  and  en- 
dorsement of  the  receivers. 

That  these  appropriations  by  railroad  companies 


THE  RAILROAD  COMPANY  197 

are  regarded  as  legitimate  items  of  operating  ex- 
penses is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  the  Interstate 
Commerce  Commission  in  their  pamphlet  on  the  act 
to  regulate  commerce,  3rd  revised  issue,  pages  32 
and  75,  specify  "  Rooms  for  Y.  M.  C.  A.  purposes 
and  contributions  to  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciations ''  in  the  list  with  other  items  of  regular  ex- 
pense on  the  part  of  railroad  companies. 

VII.     The  Railroad  Company  and  Other 
Welfare  Work 

The  railroads  are  to  be  commended  for  their  in- 
terest in  the  physical,  intellectual,  and  general  wel- 
fare of  their  men.  Railroad  managers  have  from 
the  beginning  recognized  a  responsibility  for  their 
men  away  from  home  in  the  line  of  their  duty  and 
in  consequence  subjected  to  peculiar  hardships  and 
temptations.  Much  time,  thought,  and  money  have 
been  expended  by  railroad  managers  upon  libraries, 
reading  rooms,  bunk  houses,  club  rooms,  and  other 
welfare  features  for  railroad  men.  The  clubhouse, 
devoid  as  it  is  of  definite  moral  and  religious  pur- 
poses, and  lacking  also  in  organization  and  super- 
vision, has  seldom  been  permanently  successful 
among  railroad  men.  Destitute  of  an  inspiring  and 
abiding  purpose  it  has  necessarily  lacked  perma- 
nence because  it  has  failed  to  secure  the  cooperation 
of  railroad  employees.     The  Association,  however, 


198  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

has  for  more  than  forty  years  steadily  grown  in 
number  and  efficiency  and  many  have  been  estab- 
lished, at  the  request  of  railway  officials  and  em- 
ployees, where  clubhouses  have  failed. 


APPENDIX 


APPENDIX 

A 
Paris  Basis 

(Adopted  at  World's  Conference  held  in  Paris, 
1855) 
**  The  Young  Men's  Christian  Associations  seek 
to  unite  those  young  men,  who,  regarding  Jesus 
Christ  as  their  God  and  Saviour  according  to  the . 
Holy  Scriptures,  desire  to  be  His  disciples  in  their 
doctrine  and  in  their  life,  and  to  associate  their 
efforts  for  the  extension  of  His  Kingdom  among 
young  men." 

B 

Portland  Basis 

(Adopted  at  the  International  Convention,  held  in 
Portland,  Me.,  1869) 

"  That,  as  these  organizations  bear  the  name  of 
Christian  and  profess  to  be  engaged  directly  in  the 
Saviour's  service,  so  it  is  clearly  their  duty  to  main- 
tain the  control  and  management  of  all  their  affairs 
in  the  hands  of  those  who  profess  to  love  and  pub- 
licly avow  their  faith  in  Jesus,  the  Redeemer,  as 
divine,  and  who  testify  their  faith  by  becoming  and 

201 


202  RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK 

remaining  members  of  churches  held  to  be  *  evan- 
gelical; and  that  such  persons,  and  none  others, 
should  be  allowed  to  vote  or  hold  office." 

C 

Boards  of  Management 

(Adopted  at  the  International  Convention  held  at 
Philadelphia,  1889) 

1.  *That  branches  organized  after  this  date  shall 
be  entitled  to  representation  in  future  International 
Conventions,  provided  that  if  the  branch  have  a  vot- 
ing membership  the  right  to  vote  and  hold  office  in 
such  branch  be  confined  to  men  who  are  members 
in  good  standing  in  evangelical  churches,  and, 

2.  That  in  all  branches  or  departments  thereof 
management  shall  be  composed  of  men,  members  in 
good  standing  in  evangelical  churches." 

D 

Restrictions  in  Organization 

(Adopted  at  the  International  Convention  held  at 
Kansas  City,  1891) 

**  That  the  International  Committee  be  instructed 
not  to  recognize  Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tions that  shall  hereafter  be  organized  in  cities  or 
towns  where  such  associations  already  exist,  and 
that  such  organizations  be  not  entitled  to  representa- 
tion at  International  Conventions,  College  and 
Colored  Associations  excepted."  (See  modification 
in  Appendix  F.) 

*  For  definition  of  word  evangelical  as  used  in  this  connec- 
tion, see  Report  of  Portland  Convention. 


APPENDIX  203 

E 

Supervision  on  Interstate  Systems 

(Adopted  at  the  International  Convention  held  at 
Buffalo,  1904) 

**  In  the  organization  of  Associations  or  branches 
on  interstate  railroad  systems,  the  International 
Committee  should  treat  with  the  railroad  company 
and  assume  the  responsibility.  In  the  supervision 
of  the  work  when  established,  the  same  rule  of  con- 
ference and  cooperation  with  State  and  Provincial 
Committees  shall  prevail  as  in  other  departments  of 
Association  work." 


Provisional  Associations 

(Adopted  at  the  International  Convention  held  at 
Buffalo,  1904) 

"  State,  Provincial  or  International  Committees 
may,  in  exceptional  cases  and  only  while  necessary, 
recognize,  each  for  itself  provisional  railroad,  army 
and  navy  associations,  and  also  (with  the  consent 
of  the  local  association)  provisional  industrial  and 
city  associations,  at  points  having  local  associations 
with  which  for  the  time  being  organic  relations  can- 
not be  established  or  maintained.'' 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Bible  Study 

Main  Lines  in  the  Bible  (Railroad).  F.  S. 
Goodman.     Paper  25  cents. 

Men  of  Steel.  W.  W.  Adair.  Pamphlet  or 
loose-leaf  form,  10  cents. 

Wrecks  and  Heroes.  W.  W.  Adair.  Pamphlet 
or  loose-leaf  form,  10  cents. 

Story  of  Jesus  by  John.  F.  S.  Goodman  and 
A.  G.  Knebel  (Correspondence).  Twenty-two 
lessons  with  booklet  of  John*s  Gospel,  20  cents. 

The  Doctor's  Story  (Studies  in  Luke  —  Corre- 
spondence). A.  G.  Knebel.  Fourteen  folders  in 
box  envelope,  for  weekly  distribution,  15  cents. 

Another  Story  by  Dr.  Luke.  F.  S.  Goodman 
(Correspondence).     Sets,  15  cents. 

Social  Teachings  of  Jesus.  J.  W.  Jenks.  50 
cents;  postpaid  60  cents. 

Studies  in  the  Life  of  Jesus  Christ.  Edward 
I.  Bosworth.     50  cents ;  postpaid  60  cents. 

New  Studies  in  Acts.  Edward  I.  Bosworth.  50 
cents;  postpaid  60  cents. 

Great  Events  in  the  Life  of  Christ.  James 
McConaughy.     50  cents;  postpaid  60  cents. 

Men  Who  Dared.     Charles  Gallaudet  Trumbull. 

205 


2o6  APPENDIX 

40  cents.     Paper  25  cents.     Student  edition  10 

cents. 
Manhood  of  the  Master.     Harry  Emerson  Fos- 

dick.     50  cents. 
Paul  in  Everyday  Life.     John  Douglas  Adam. 

50  cents. 
The  Meaning  of  Prayer.     Harry  Emerson  Fos- 

dick.     50  cents. 
Christ  in  Everyday  Life.     Edward  L  Bosworth. 

50  cents. 
Evangelism     Through    Bible    Study.     F.     S. 

Goodman,  25  cents. 

Technical 
Railroad  Association  Work.     Cloth  $1.00. 
Getting  Together  at  Chicago  (19 12).     Paper 

25  cents. 
Constitution    for    Railroad    Association.     5 

cents. 
Railroad  Department's  Obligations  to   Con- 
tributing  Corporations.     Clarence  J.   Hicks. 

2  cents. 
Railroad   Secretaryship.     George  A.    Warbur- 

ton.     5  cents. 
Association    Educational    Work.     George    B. 

Hodge.     $1.00. 
Educational  Work  for  Railroad  Men.     Paper 

25  cents. 
Physical  Education.     $1.00. 
History    of    North    American    Young    Men's 


RAILROAD  ASSOCIATION  WORK  207 

Christian  Association.  Richard  C.  Morse. 
$1.00. 

Social  Activities.     Albert  M.  Chesley,  $1.00. 

Camp  and  Outing  Activities.  Cheley-Baker. 
$1.50. 

Indoor  Games  and  Socials  for  Boys.  G.  C. 
Baker.     75  cents. 

Principles  and  Methods  of  Religious  Work 
FOR  Men  and  Boys.     75  cents. 

Principles  and  Organization  of  the  Y.  M. 
C.  A.     Murray.    60  cents. 

Membership  Record  and  Index  with  Sum- 
maries. Arranged  by  C.  J.  Hicks.  Full  Can- 
vas. For  Membership  of  500,  $3.00;  for  Mem- 
bership of  1,000,  $5.00. 

Railroad  Daily  Record.     In  pads  of  30,  15  cents. 

Railroad  Monthly  Record  of  Statistics. 
$1.00. 

Railroad  Monthly  Financial  Report  Blanks. 
In  pads  of  100,  75  cents. 

Railroad  Monthly  Statistical  Report  Blanks. 
In  pads  of  100,  75  cents. 

Railroad  Treasurer's  Cash  Book.     $2.50. 

Railroad  Treasurer's  Report  Blanks.  Per 
dozen  15  cents. 

Railroad  Uniform  Vouchers.  In  pads  of  50, 
35  cents. 

General 
Conductor  Jim.     Paul  Gilbert.     50  cents. 


2o8  APPENDIX 

Tom  Keenan.     Neason  Jones.     $i.oo. 

Life  of  Sir  George  Williams.  J.  E.  H.  Wil- 
liams.    60  cents  postpaid. 

Life  of  R.  R.  McBurney.  Doggett.  60  cents 
postpaid. 

English  for  Coming  Americans.  Peter  Roberts. 
A  rational  system  of  teaching  English  to  for- 
eigners quickly  by  calling  to  mind  the  familiar 
incidents  of  their  daily  life  and  showing  them 
how  to  label  each  idea  with  the  right  word. 
(Special  circular  sent  on  request.) 

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